Super 14 2008
Moderatore: Emy77
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Pukana
- Messaggi: 1063
- Iscritto il: 7 set 2004, 0:00
- Località: Devonport - North Shore - NZL
- Contatta:
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marto
- Messaggi: 54
- Iscritto il: 16 ago 2007, 14:21
- Località: Verona
Grazie! Sei stato gentilissimo e molto chiaro.Pakeha_70 ha scritto:Nuova Zelandamarto ha scritto:Scusate la mia ignoranza, posso chiedere a qualcuno più esperto di associare i nomi delle squadre alle città di appartenenza? Non mi ci raccapezzo altrimenti!
Grazie.
Blues --> Auckland
Crusaders --> Christchurch
Hurricanes --> Wellington
Chiefs --> Hamilton
Highlanders --> Dunedin
Australia
Brumbies --> Canberra
W Force --> Perth
Waratahs --> Sydney
Reds --> Brisbane
Sud Africa
Lions --> Johannesburg
Sharks --> Durban
Bulls --> Pretoria
Stormers --> Cape Town
Cheetahs --> Bloemfontein
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Pakeha_70
- Messaggi: 3223
- Iscritto il: 14 lug 2007, 11:57
molto interessanti i primi commenti neozelandesi sul cambiamento del gioco con le nuove regole....Pukana ha scritto:Kia Ora gcruta il s14 comincia venerdi' 15 febbraio. se leggi un mio precedente post su questa pagina c'e' il calendario completo.
Appena avrò un attimo posterò un paio di articoli.....
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Pukana
- Messaggi: 1063
- Iscritto il: 7 set 2004, 0:00
- Località: Devonport - North Shore - NZL
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Deans happy with experimental laws
5:00AM Tuesday January 29, 2008
Crusaders and Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is enthusiastic about rugby's rule changes, but says they weren't entirely responsible for the high scoring rate in the Crusaders' 55-33 win over the Hurricanes on Friday.
"We played 100 minutes, so there was another 25 per cent of game time and we played extended squads - that blew the score out as well," Deans said.
Pre-season matches are typically messy and unstructured, but much of Friday night's game in Motueka was reasonably ordered with the experimental law variations (ELVs) in play, Deans said.
Main changes include freekicks rather than penalties for offences other than offside and foul play, and requiring each backline to stand five metres from the hindmost foot at the scrum. Also, if the ball is passed or taken back inside the defender's 22m line, then kicked out on the full, the lineout is in line with where the ball was kicked.
The ELVs are being trialled in this year's Super 14, which starts in three weeks.
Deans said he had no doubt they would make for better rugby. "It does not change the ability of the referee to control and penalise where they believe a penalty is warranted. Anything that is clear or obvious or cynical, they have the same sanctions ... but what they have as an added tool is what we refer to as a broken arm penalty, or a freekick."
He said that allowed referees to use a step before a penalty or yellow card if they believed there was doubt at breakdown infringements.
"It gives the ability to be harder around the contact area, to be hard on the people who they want to move, for example the tackler rolling away.
"If you get that message across with a freekick early and consistently it will clean the game up.
- NZPA
5:00AM Tuesday January 29, 2008
Crusaders and Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is enthusiastic about rugby's rule changes, but says they weren't entirely responsible for the high scoring rate in the Crusaders' 55-33 win over the Hurricanes on Friday.
"We played 100 minutes, so there was another 25 per cent of game time and we played extended squads - that blew the score out as well," Deans said.
Pre-season matches are typically messy and unstructured, but much of Friday night's game in Motueka was reasonably ordered with the experimental law variations (ELVs) in play, Deans said.
Main changes include freekicks rather than penalties for offences other than offside and foul play, and requiring each backline to stand five metres from the hindmost foot at the scrum. Also, if the ball is passed or taken back inside the defender's 22m line, then kicked out on the full, the lineout is in line with where the ball was kicked.
The ELVs are being trialled in this year's Super 14, which starts in three weeks.
Deans said he had no doubt they would make for better rugby. "It does not change the ability of the referee to control and penalise where they believe a penalty is warranted. Anything that is clear or obvious or cynical, they have the same sanctions ... but what they have as an added tool is what we refer to as a broken arm penalty, or a freekick."
He said that allowed referees to use a step before a penalty or yellow card if they believed there was doubt at breakdown infringements.
"It gives the ability to be harder around the contact area, to be hard on the people who they want to move, for example the tackler rolling away.
"If you get that message across with a freekick early and consistently it will clean the game up.
- NZPA
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Pukana
- Messaggi: 1063
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ARU predicts try-fests with new laws
28/01/2008 from allblacks.com
General manager of the Australian Rugby Union's (ARU) high performance unit former Wallaby Pat Howard predicted early season try-fests.
"The game may be the same score it has been for the first 60 minutes, but with a war of attrition that post the 60-minute mark there's so much more ball in play and the players are more fatigued," he said.
"What we're hoping for is the score to effectively double in that last 20 minutes."
Main changes include free kicks rather than penalties for offences other than offside and foul play, and requiring each backline to stand 5m from the hindmost foot at the scrum.
Also, if the ball is passed or taken back inside the defender's 22m line, then kicked out on the full, the lineout is in line with where the ball was kicked.
Another variation was to create an offside line when a player is tackled, requiring defenders to retreat behind the line before they can contest the ball.
"Every time you make a line break, the chances of you converting that into a try are a lot higher," Howard said.
"A player can go to the fullback, take a tackle, throw the ball back 30m and no one else can touch it."
Howard and ARU referees manager Peter Marshall spruiked the ELVs to Sydney media today as they prepare to be trialled in the highest profile rugby competition to date.
Governing body Sanzar is yet to decide if the ELVs will be used in the Philips Tri Nations, with that decision largely dependent on the success of the Rebel Sport Super 14.
One thing for certain is the All Blacks' June tests at home against Ireland and England will be played under the old rules.
The International Rugby Board (IRB) asked Sanzar to trial the ELVs in Super 14 but haven't decided when they might be implemented in the northern hemisphere.
In the Super 14, referees will be harsher on defenders killing the ball in the tackle, an ELV which Howard said saw tries increase by 50 percent in last year's English premiership.
"You're giving advantage to the attacking side, more continuity, more help for the coaches to say `let's not kick it away'.
"Turning the ball over is a real contest and not a technical version of looking for a penalty."
At the lineout, the non-throwing hooker is now banned from lifting to make it easier for the throwing team to retain possession.
Marshall said the nightmare of constant scrum resets had also been looked at, with referees now applying a four-second rule in the scrum engagement to try to speed it up.
He said cynical play by defenders, knowing they might only concede a free kick rather than a penalty, could be punished by immediate yellow cards.
Howard acknowledged there was some cynicism in the northern hemisphere about widespread changes.
"I don't think we're that far apart. In the northern hemisphere the game is seen very positively, and we need to address our part and try to get our supporters loving the game.
"All of the Sanzar unions are very keen to look at it, and we're confident and positive about it."
- NZPA -[/b]
28/01/2008 from allblacks.com
General manager of the Australian Rugby Union's (ARU) high performance unit former Wallaby Pat Howard predicted early season try-fests.
"The game may be the same score it has been for the first 60 minutes, but with a war of attrition that post the 60-minute mark there's so much more ball in play and the players are more fatigued," he said.
"What we're hoping for is the score to effectively double in that last 20 minutes."
Main changes include free kicks rather than penalties for offences other than offside and foul play, and requiring each backline to stand 5m from the hindmost foot at the scrum.
Also, if the ball is passed or taken back inside the defender's 22m line, then kicked out on the full, the lineout is in line with where the ball was kicked.
Another variation was to create an offside line when a player is tackled, requiring defenders to retreat behind the line before they can contest the ball.
"Every time you make a line break, the chances of you converting that into a try are a lot higher," Howard said.
"A player can go to the fullback, take a tackle, throw the ball back 30m and no one else can touch it."
Howard and ARU referees manager Peter Marshall spruiked the ELVs to Sydney media today as they prepare to be trialled in the highest profile rugby competition to date.
Governing body Sanzar is yet to decide if the ELVs will be used in the Philips Tri Nations, with that decision largely dependent on the success of the Rebel Sport Super 14.
One thing for certain is the All Blacks' June tests at home against Ireland and England will be played under the old rules.
The International Rugby Board (IRB) asked Sanzar to trial the ELVs in Super 14 but haven't decided when they might be implemented in the northern hemisphere.
In the Super 14, referees will be harsher on defenders killing the ball in the tackle, an ELV which Howard said saw tries increase by 50 percent in last year's English premiership.
"You're giving advantage to the attacking side, more continuity, more help for the coaches to say `let's not kick it away'.
"Turning the ball over is a real contest and not a technical version of looking for a penalty."
At the lineout, the non-throwing hooker is now banned from lifting to make it easier for the throwing team to retain possession.
Marshall said the nightmare of constant scrum resets had also been looked at, with referees now applying a four-second rule in the scrum engagement to try to speed it up.
He said cynical play by defenders, knowing they might only concede a free kick rather than a penalty, could be punished by immediate yellow cards.
Howard acknowledged there was some cynicism in the northern hemisphere about widespread changes.
"I don't think we're that far apart. In the northern hemisphere the game is seen very positively, and we need to address our part and try to get our supporters loving the game.
"All of the Sanzar unions are very keen to look at it, and we're confident and positive about it."
- NZPA -[/b]
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Pakeha_70
- Messaggi: 3223
- Iscritto il: 14 lug 2007, 11:57
Grazie Pukana...
Eccone alcuni altri
Interssanti le considerazioni sulla velocità del gioco, sulla condizione atletica, sulla composizione della panchina con 5 avanti, meno lineout e più mischie.
It's a whole new ball game, says Deans
The new experimental law variations could revolutionise the makeup of reserve benches.
That's the view of Crusaders coach Robbie Deans, who guided his team to a 55-33 victory over the Hurricanes in a Super 14 warmup clash in Motueka on Friday night.
The five law changes which will be trialled in the Super 14 this season are designed to simplify and speed up the game and Deans believes teams may only go with two backs instead of three on the reserves bench in the future.
"The important factor will be conditioning," Deans said yesterday.
"Teams will out of necessity have to be able to go the distance the full 80 minutes and that might impact on bench mixes. We may end up with sides carrying an extra forward."
Faster games will mean forwards need to be more mobile and it was a stroke of genius from Deans to lure Brad Thorn back from the Brisbane Broncos.
The tireless Thorn should be a major string to the bow of the Crusaders this year with his strength and speed being two factors of his game.
With 88 points scored in Motueka, Deans feels high-scoring encounters could be a regular occurrence in rugby again, something that's sure to have the crowds flocking back to games.
"The feedback from the players was that it was a lot faster on the ground (against the Hurricanes).
"The five-metres back at scrumtime (for backlines) generates a bit more momentum," Deans said. "Teams are able to get front foot ball and that puts pressure on the defence.
"There weren't that many free-kicks in the game. There were a couple of quick throw-ins and you only need a couple of each of those and you've got four starts of plays that are a lot faster than setting up a scrum or a lineout.
"So over the course of a game it can make a big difference.
"Every team will be excited about the prospect of the new laws," he added.
"You look at the Australian teams like the Waratahs who have Timana Tahu coming into the game and the access to the gainline they'll get.
`You look at teams like some of the South African teams with their big midfielders.
"They'll have the ability to get over the gainline and create some momentum. But also with the extra five-metres they'll have the opportunity to get the ball to the outside (backs) more frequently."
New rules produce more attack, more speed
This is rugby, Jim, but not as we know it. The union game is now being run not by Wellington striped-tie types but by ELVs.
Not the mythical pointy-eared ones which live in the forest either -- although some of the new Experimental Rule Variations are equally mystical.
These new rules have been introduced to speed up the game and they will either be rugby's salvation or its ruination.
The Highlanders got their first taste of life in the fast lane in a pre-season hitout against the Chiefs at Rugby Park, in Invercargill, on Saturday.
Making matters even more complicated was the fact new interpretations surrounding the tackled ball law were only passed on to the two teams the night before.
Referee Lyndon Bray, one of New Zealand's most respected whistle-blowers, had possibly the hardest job on the field -- but he was happy with the way both teams operated in the uncertain circumstances.
"It's learning for (the players) and learning for us. Obviously we didn't referee with the ELVs last year so this was my first hitout.
"It's getting those decisions right around the consequence at the tackle.
"If you think about what's in a tackle or a ruck, there's isn't much difference (under the new laws) in the sense of what you can and can't do but the consequence is different." Bray said one challenge that was evident from the game was that the ball was often being recycled so quickly that the team in possession was struggling to get its attack organised in time.
The flipside of that was that defences would struggle to react, which should mean more attacking chances, he said.
What is clear is that the game is faster under the new laws -- the question, which will be answered in the coming months, is whether it's better.
There are fewer lineouts and more scrums. There are more free kicks and fewer penalties, with teams usually electing to take the scrum instead of a quick tap.
There's less structure and more instinctive play, providing a product more for the rugby fan than the rugby purist.
In the 28degC temperatures at Rugby Park on Saturday that meant a real test for the players, even if the game was played in quarters.
Highlanders stand-in captain Jimmy Cowan was one player who was noticing the increased running.
"It's a lot faster, as you can tell, which should be more exciting for the crowd. I don't know how it's going to pan out but we'll just have to adjust I suppose." Cowan said the players were still learning the new rules, particularly with three new ones coming in in the last 24 hours.
"Personally I'm still coming to terms with them. We are still trying to adjust to them as a team." Highlanders coach Glenn Moore hopes his team will adapt better than any other team to the new laws and get off to a strong start in the Super 14 as a result.
"I can tell you something, we're taking a real positive approach to (the new laws). We can see, with a bit more polish, it's going to be more exciting for the fans to watch and we need to provide that."
Eccone alcuni altri
Interssanti le considerazioni sulla velocità del gioco, sulla condizione atletica, sulla composizione della panchina con 5 avanti, meno lineout e più mischie.
It's a whole new ball game, says Deans
The new experimental law variations could revolutionise the makeup of reserve benches.
That's the view of Crusaders coach Robbie Deans, who guided his team to a 55-33 victory over the Hurricanes in a Super 14 warmup clash in Motueka on Friday night.
The five law changes which will be trialled in the Super 14 this season are designed to simplify and speed up the game and Deans believes teams may only go with two backs instead of three on the reserves bench in the future.
"The important factor will be conditioning," Deans said yesterday.
"Teams will out of necessity have to be able to go the distance the full 80 minutes and that might impact on bench mixes. We may end up with sides carrying an extra forward."
Faster games will mean forwards need to be more mobile and it was a stroke of genius from Deans to lure Brad Thorn back from the Brisbane Broncos.
The tireless Thorn should be a major string to the bow of the Crusaders this year with his strength and speed being two factors of his game.
With 88 points scored in Motueka, Deans feels high-scoring encounters could be a regular occurrence in rugby again, something that's sure to have the crowds flocking back to games.
"The feedback from the players was that it was a lot faster on the ground (against the Hurricanes).
"The five-metres back at scrumtime (for backlines) generates a bit more momentum," Deans said. "Teams are able to get front foot ball and that puts pressure on the defence.
"There weren't that many free-kicks in the game. There were a couple of quick throw-ins and you only need a couple of each of those and you've got four starts of plays that are a lot faster than setting up a scrum or a lineout.
"So over the course of a game it can make a big difference.
"Every team will be excited about the prospect of the new laws," he added.
"You look at the Australian teams like the Waratahs who have Timana Tahu coming into the game and the access to the gainline they'll get.
`You look at teams like some of the South African teams with their big midfielders.
"They'll have the ability to get over the gainline and create some momentum. But also with the extra five-metres they'll have the opportunity to get the ball to the outside (backs) more frequently."
New rules produce more attack, more speed
This is rugby, Jim, but not as we know it. The union game is now being run not by Wellington striped-tie types but by ELVs.
Not the mythical pointy-eared ones which live in the forest either -- although some of the new Experimental Rule Variations are equally mystical.
These new rules have been introduced to speed up the game and they will either be rugby's salvation or its ruination.
The Highlanders got their first taste of life in the fast lane in a pre-season hitout against the Chiefs at Rugby Park, in Invercargill, on Saturday.
Making matters even more complicated was the fact new interpretations surrounding the tackled ball law were only passed on to the two teams the night before.
Referee Lyndon Bray, one of New Zealand's most respected whistle-blowers, had possibly the hardest job on the field -- but he was happy with the way both teams operated in the uncertain circumstances.
"It's learning for (the players) and learning for us. Obviously we didn't referee with the ELVs last year so this was my first hitout.
"It's getting those decisions right around the consequence at the tackle.
"If you think about what's in a tackle or a ruck, there's isn't much difference (under the new laws) in the sense of what you can and can't do but the consequence is different." Bray said one challenge that was evident from the game was that the ball was often being recycled so quickly that the team in possession was struggling to get its attack organised in time.
The flipside of that was that defences would struggle to react, which should mean more attacking chances, he said.
What is clear is that the game is faster under the new laws -- the question, which will be answered in the coming months, is whether it's better.
There are fewer lineouts and more scrums. There are more free kicks and fewer penalties, with teams usually electing to take the scrum instead of a quick tap.
There's less structure and more instinctive play, providing a product more for the rugby fan than the rugby purist.
In the 28degC temperatures at Rugby Park on Saturday that meant a real test for the players, even if the game was played in quarters.
Highlanders stand-in captain Jimmy Cowan was one player who was noticing the increased running.
"It's a lot faster, as you can tell, which should be more exciting for the crowd. I don't know how it's going to pan out but we'll just have to adjust I suppose." Cowan said the players were still learning the new rules, particularly with three new ones coming in in the last 24 hours.
"Personally I'm still coming to terms with them. We are still trying to adjust to them as a team." Highlanders coach Glenn Moore hopes his team will adapt better than any other team to the new laws and get off to a strong start in the Super 14 as a result.
"I can tell you something, we're taking a real positive approach to (the new laws). We can see, with a bit more polish, it's going to be more exciting for the fans to watch and we need to provide that."
-
Pukana
- Messaggi: 1063
- Iscritto il: 7 set 2004, 0:00
- Località: Devonport - North Shore - NZL
- Contatta:
Questi i prossimi appuntamenti pre-season per le squadre neozelandesi:
Reds - Blues
Ballymore, Brisbane - Giovedi' 31.01.08 at 7pm
Western Force - Crusaders
Olympic Park Stadium, Melbourne - Sabato 02.02.08 at 7.30
Chiefs - Hurricanes
Owen Delany Park, Taupo - Sabato 02.02.08 at 4pm
Highlanders - Highlanders Development Squad
Weston Domain, Oamaru - Venerdi' 01.02.08
Reds - Blues
Ballymore, Brisbane - Giovedi' 31.01.08 at 7pm
Western Force - Crusaders
Olympic Park Stadium, Melbourne - Sabato 02.02.08 at 7.30
Chiefs - Hurricanes
Owen Delany Park, Taupo - Sabato 02.02.08 at 4pm
Highlanders - Highlanders Development Squad
Weston Domain, Oamaru - Venerdi' 01.02.08
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Pukana
- Messaggi: 1063
- Iscritto il: 7 set 2004, 0:00
- Località: Devonport - North Shore - NZL
- Contatta:
Top Blues players miss chance to test new laws
5:00AM Wednesday January 30, 2008
By Wynne Gray
Star flanker Daniel Braid remains an unlikely Super 14 starter while a bunch of senior Blues players will miss another chance this week to test their understanding of rugby's experimental laws.
The Blues travel to Brisbane to meet the Reds tomorrow in a trial game but that group will be without captain Troy Flavell, John Afoa, Braid, Nick Williams, Danny Lee and Benson Stanley.
Flavell and Stanley were injured in last week's practice match, Afoa is on paternity leave, Lee and Williams are expected to return for a final trial next week while Braid is recuperating from a shoulder surgery.
Coach David Nucifora said New Zealand's player of the year remained "touch and go" to start the Blues Super 14 campaign against the Chiefs on February 16.
"He is the only one we have any concern about at the moment - that is really the major one," he said.
Lee had recovered from the broken leg he suffered last year and with Williams, who was rehabbing a shoulder, were staying home to prepare for next week's last practice match against the Highlanders.
Everyone who went to Brisbane would be involved against the Reds who have named their eight Wallabies for the match at Ballymore.
Nucifora and the Blues got their first flavour about the new rules when they held a trial match against a group of promising players from within the Blues region.
That experience would help them prepare for their final two trials.
"We didn't know what to expect until you see it happen," Nucifora said.
"Now it gives us a bit more to go on. The big thing at this level of football is to have the awareness of what's going to happen, so you can react and respond, and now they have a bit of a feeling for it."
There was no doubt the rule changes had made the game a great deal faster and teams would now work out how best to use them to their advantage. Australian club sides had eventually worked more structure into their play when they became more accustomed to the experimental laws last season.
Nucifora had studied some of those games on tape and hoped to watch replays on how the other New Zealand sides coped with the new rules in their first trial matches last weekend.
The opening rounds of the Super 14 would be a huge learning curve for the players and referees.
"There will be a real transition phase in how the teams use the laws and adapt to them," he said.
"The first few weeks will be a lot of looking at what everyone else is doing and seeing how they are trying to adapt to things."
Meanwhile, ACT Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher is keeping almost all of his big names out of Friday night's trial match against the Waratahs in Gosford.
Wallabies prop Guy Shepherdson will run out for his first match since the Rugby World Cup alongside a host of youngsters and debutants against a powerful Waratahs contingent.
Fisher yesterday named a 27-man squad for the match including four of the six new recruits plus eight members of the Brumbies' academy.
Blues team to play Queensland
Isa Nacewa, Rudi Wulf, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Nick Evans, Taniela Moa, Jerome Kaino, Onosai'I Tololima-Auvab'a, Justin Collins, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, Bronson Murray, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves - Tom McCartney, Nick White, Chris Heard, Bryn Evans, Chris Smylie, Lachie Munro, Jamie Helleur, George Pisi, Chris Lowrey, Chris Smith, Ben Atiga, Jarek Gobel, David Smith.
5:00AM Wednesday January 30, 2008
By Wynne Gray
Star flanker Daniel Braid remains an unlikely Super 14 starter while a bunch of senior Blues players will miss another chance this week to test their understanding of rugby's experimental laws.
The Blues travel to Brisbane to meet the Reds tomorrow in a trial game but that group will be without captain Troy Flavell, John Afoa, Braid, Nick Williams, Danny Lee and Benson Stanley.
Flavell and Stanley were injured in last week's practice match, Afoa is on paternity leave, Lee and Williams are expected to return for a final trial next week while Braid is recuperating from a shoulder surgery.
Coach David Nucifora said New Zealand's player of the year remained "touch and go" to start the Blues Super 14 campaign against the Chiefs on February 16.
"He is the only one we have any concern about at the moment - that is really the major one," he said.
Lee had recovered from the broken leg he suffered last year and with Williams, who was rehabbing a shoulder, were staying home to prepare for next week's last practice match against the Highlanders.
Everyone who went to Brisbane would be involved against the Reds who have named their eight Wallabies for the match at Ballymore.
Nucifora and the Blues got their first flavour about the new rules when they held a trial match against a group of promising players from within the Blues region.
That experience would help them prepare for their final two trials.
"We didn't know what to expect until you see it happen," Nucifora said.
"Now it gives us a bit more to go on. The big thing at this level of football is to have the awareness of what's going to happen, so you can react and respond, and now they have a bit of a feeling for it."
There was no doubt the rule changes had made the game a great deal faster and teams would now work out how best to use them to their advantage. Australian club sides had eventually worked more structure into their play when they became more accustomed to the experimental laws last season.
Nucifora had studied some of those games on tape and hoped to watch replays on how the other New Zealand sides coped with the new rules in their first trial matches last weekend.
The opening rounds of the Super 14 would be a huge learning curve for the players and referees.
"There will be a real transition phase in how the teams use the laws and adapt to them," he said.
"The first few weeks will be a lot of looking at what everyone else is doing and seeing how they are trying to adapt to things."
Meanwhile, ACT Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher is keeping almost all of his big names out of Friday night's trial match against the Waratahs in Gosford.
Wallabies prop Guy Shepherdson will run out for his first match since the Rugby World Cup alongside a host of youngsters and debutants against a powerful Waratahs contingent.
Fisher yesterday named a 27-man squad for the match including four of the six new recruits plus eight members of the Brumbies' academy.
Blues team to play Queensland
Isa Nacewa, Rudi Wulf, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Nick Evans, Taniela Moa, Jerome Kaino, Onosai'I Tololima-Auvab'a, Justin Collins, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, Bronson Murray, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves - Tom McCartney, Nick White, Chris Heard, Bryn Evans, Chris Smylie, Lachie Munro, Jamie Helleur, George Pisi, Chris Lowrey, Chris Smith, Ben Atiga, Jarek Gobel, David Smith.
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Pukana
- Messaggi: 1063
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Blues pip Reds on the bell
8:11AM Friday February 01, 2008
By Jim Morton
BRISBANE - Former Waratah Morgan Turinui was denied a Queensland debut to remember after the Blues pipped the Reds on the bell in their Super 14 trial at Ballymore last night.
The Auckland-based visitors dramatically crossed through George Pisi with 18 seconds left to win a willing affair 25-19 after Turinui inspired a late Reds rally.
The outside centre capped a fine all-round display by sparking a penalty try which regained the lead for the home side in a frantic final 10 minutes, which included three tries.
Trailing 18-12 with five minutes to go, former Wallabies vice-captain Turinui scythed through the Blues' midfield defence before unloading to Ben Lucas, who was swamped by off-side defence on the line.
Referee Paul Marks pointed to the sticks and then Lucas duly slotted the conversion for a 19-18 lead.
But the score was to change one more time.
Reds big man Hugh McMeniman stole a Blues lineout on his line but an ensuing fumble gave the visitors one last chance.
Blues reserve Pisi then killed off the Reds when he finished a fine backline move from the scrum for a try next to the posts.
Turinui had plenty of other moments to savour, both in defence and attack, as he made a stirring start beside fellow former NSW centre Chris Siale.
Stand-in skipper Sam Cordingley, back-up Lucas and tireless flanker David Croft were also impressive in the full-strength Reds' second trial loss.
But star fullback Chris Latham had a match he'd rather forget in his last game at Queensland's traditional Ballymore home.
Latham was uncharacteristically butter-fingered, dropping half a dozen balls in the muggy conditions, including two after the Reds ignored easy second-half penalty attempts that would have put them in front.
The Blues preferred to take their kicks at goal and the three-pointers by Nick Evans and Isa Nacewa were the difference in the end.
The willing Queenslanders hassled the Blues all night but lacked precision in attack.
Queensland had led 12-0 after as many minutes when flanker David Croft darted over from a messy five-metre scrum and winger Brando Va'aulu finished an 80m counter-attack sparked by prop Rodney Blake's turnover.
The 5,465-strong Brisbane crowd held its breath as Berrick Barnes limped off at the end of the first half with the Reds leading 12-10.
But the Wallabies playmaker, who copped a nasty knock in deftly putting Latham through a gap, re-appeared after the break before finishing early with a slight cork.
Hooker Sean Hardman was the only other injury concern for new Reds coach Phil Mooney, who was otherwise pleased by his side's performance.
"We certainly did create chances," he said.
"At the end of the day both sides treated it as a trial. It would have been nice to win it but it's certainly not the Super 14 so I'm not unhappy.
"Morgan showed he will be tremendous asset. He was terrific at the end."
Queensland wore their alternative green jerseys rushed in from Sydney for the game after a laundromat fire destroyed their kit yesterday.
A QRU staffer flew south to personally accompany the EnergyAustralia-sponsored jerseys back in time for the evening trial.
- AAP
8:11AM Friday February 01, 2008
By Jim Morton
BRISBANE - Former Waratah Morgan Turinui was denied a Queensland debut to remember after the Blues pipped the Reds on the bell in their Super 14 trial at Ballymore last night.
The Auckland-based visitors dramatically crossed through George Pisi with 18 seconds left to win a willing affair 25-19 after Turinui inspired a late Reds rally.
The outside centre capped a fine all-round display by sparking a penalty try which regained the lead for the home side in a frantic final 10 minutes, which included three tries.
Trailing 18-12 with five minutes to go, former Wallabies vice-captain Turinui scythed through the Blues' midfield defence before unloading to Ben Lucas, who was swamped by off-side defence on the line.
Referee Paul Marks pointed to the sticks and then Lucas duly slotted the conversion for a 19-18 lead.
But the score was to change one more time.
Reds big man Hugh McMeniman stole a Blues lineout on his line but an ensuing fumble gave the visitors one last chance.
Blues reserve Pisi then killed off the Reds when he finished a fine backline move from the scrum for a try next to the posts.
Turinui had plenty of other moments to savour, both in defence and attack, as he made a stirring start beside fellow former NSW centre Chris Siale.
Stand-in skipper Sam Cordingley, back-up Lucas and tireless flanker David Croft were also impressive in the full-strength Reds' second trial loss.
But star fullback Chris Latham had a match he'd rather forget in his last game at Queensland's traditional Ballymore home.
Latham was uncharacteristically butter-fingered, dropping half a dozen balls in the muggy conditions, including two after the Reds ignored easy second-half penalty attempts that would have put them in front.
The Blues preferred to take their kicks at goal and the three-pointers by Nick Evans and Isa Nacewa were the difference in the end.
The willing Queenslanders hassled the Blues all night but lacked precision in attack.
Queensland had led 12-0 after as many minutes when flanker David Croft darted over from a messy five-metre scrum and winger Brando Va'aulu finished an 80m counter-attack sparked by prop Rodney Blake's turnover.
The 5,465-strong Brisbane crowd held its breath as Berrick Barnes limped off at the end of the first half with the Reds leading 12-10.
But the Wallabies playmaker, who copped a nasty knock in deftly putting Latham through a gap, re-appeared after the break before finishing early with a slight cork.
Hooker Sean Hardman was the only other injury concern for new Reds coach Phil Mooney, who was otherwise pleased by his side's performance.
"We certainly did create chances," he said.
"At the end of the day both sides treated it as a trial. It would have been nice to win it but it's certainly not the Super 14 so I'm not unhappy.
"Morgan showed he will be tremendous asset. He was terrific at the end."
Queensland wore their alternative green jerseys rushed in from Sydney for the game after a laundromat fire destroyed their kit yesterday.
A QRU staffer flew south to personally accompany the EnergyAustralia-sponsored jerseys back in time for the evening trial.
- AAP
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Pukana
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- Iscritto il: 7 set 2004, 0:00
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Deans calls for Super 14 overhaul
10:32AM Monday February 04, 2008
Crusaders and Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says players from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa should be free to play in any of the three countries' Super 14 rugby franchises.
And he is also supporting Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill's view that the competition should be increased to two rounds.
Deans said players should be free to play for whichever team they chose.
In other words, Wallabies inside back Matt Giteau could play for the Crusaders, while All Blacks first five-eighth Dan Carter could play for the Western Force.
Foreign players are allowed to play for New Zealand and South African teams, with French test five-eighth Frederic Michalak playing for the Sharks this year and the New Zealand teams including Pacific island internationals.
But the NZRU will not select New Zealand players for the All Blacks if they play offshore.
Australia is the most restricted player market in the world. Only those eligible to play for the Wallabies can play in the Australian Super 14 teams.
Deans, who has been involved in Super rugby for 12 years, believes the borders between the three southern hemisphere powers should be opened.
"John O'Neill, I understand, has indicated that they open access to foreign players here," Deans told The Australian newspaper.
"I would suggest in time, just crystal ball-gazing, Australia and New Zealand may open up selection offshore, but only if they are playing in the same competition.
"You could select Australians to play Super 14 in Africa and New Zealand and vice versa.
"It would create interest. In terms of selection, it is the same task. You are looking at footage from the same competition. It's neither here nor there."
Deans said the Super 14 had to be expanded. "It's inevitable. It has to happen.
" Our market is not as big and we don't have the same ability to generate revenue as they have in the northern hemisphere and we are suffering at the hands of the northern hemisphere, in terms of player drain. We have to find a way of catering for the players' professional needs in the southern hemisphere.
"The only way to do that is to expand the professional window, that's the only way we can compete in the global market."
10:32AM Monday February 04, 2008
Crusaders and Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says players from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa should be free to play in any of the three countries' Super 14 rugby franchises.
And he is also supporting Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill's view that the competition should be increased to two rounds.
Deans said players should be free to play for whichever team they chose.
In other words, Wallabies inside back Matt Giteau could play for the Crusaders, while All Blacks first five-eighth Dan Carter could play for the Western Force.
Foreign players are allowed to play for New Zealand and South African teams, with French test five-eighth Frederic Michalak playing for the Sharks this year and the New Zealand teams including Pacific island internationals.
But the NZRU will not select New Zealand players for the All Blacks if they play offshore.
Australia is the most restricted player market in the world. Only those eligible to play for the Wallabies can play in the Australian Super 14 teams.
Deans, who has been involved in Super rugby for 12 years, believes the borders between the three southern hemisphere powers should be opened.
"John O'Neill, I understand, has indicated that they open access to foreign players here," Deans told The Australian newspaper.
"I would suggest in time, just crystal ball-gazing, Australia and New Zealand may open up selection offshore, but only if they are playing in the same competition.
"You could select Australians to play Super 14 in Africa and New Zealand and vice versa.
"It would create interest. In terms of selection, it is the same task. You are looking at footage from the same competition. It's neither here nor there."
Deans said the Super 14 had to be expanded. "It's inevitable. It has to happen.
" Our market is not as big and we don't have the same ability to generate revenue as they have in the northern hemisphere and we are suffering at the hands of the northern hemisphere, in terms of player drain. We have to find a way of catering for the players' professional needs in the southern hemisphere.
"The only way to do that is to expand the professional window, that's the only way we can compete in the global market."
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Pukana
- Messaggi: 1063
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- Località: Devonport - North Shore - NZL
- Contatta:
Pukana ha scritto:Questi i prossimi appuntamenti pre-season per le squadre neozelandesi:
Reds - Blues
Ballymore, Brisbane - Giovedi' 31.01.08 at 7pm
Western Force - Crusaders
Olympic Park Stadium, Melbourne - Sabato 02.02.08 at 7.30
Chiefs - Hurricanes
Owen Delany Park, Taupo - Sabato 02.02.08 at 4pm
Highlanders - Highlanders Development Squad
Weston Domain, Oamaru - Venerdi' 01.02.08
I risultati del secondo turno di Pre-Season Games per le squadre neozelandesi:
Reds 19 - Blues 25
Western Force 7 - Crusaders 12
Chiefs 40 - Hurricanes 42
Highlanders 31 - Development Squad 0
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Pukana
- Messaggi: 1063
- Iscritto il: 7 set 2004, 0:00
- Località: Devonport - North Shore - NZL
- Contatta:
Lavea ruled out of Super 14
10:53AM Friday February 01, 2008
The Chiefs first five-eighth was today ruled out of the competition because of injury. He suffered a torn foot ligament during a pre-season game against the Highlanders last weekend. Lavea, 28, will undergo surgery next Tuesday. Following the operation it is expected his foot will be immobilised for about six weeks.
Chiefs management today said Lavea was not expected to be able to put his full weight on the foot for three months. They said a decision on a replacement for Lavea would be made next week.
10:53AM Friday February 01, 2008
The Chiefs first five-eighth was today ruled out of the competition because of injury. He suffered a torn foot ligament during a pre-season game against the Highlanders last weekend. Lavea, 28, will undergo surgery next Tuesday. Following the operation it is expected his foot will be immobilised for about six weeks.
Chiefs management today said Lavea was not expected to be able to put his full weight on the foot for three months. They said a decision on a replacement for Lavea would be made next week.
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Pakeha_70
- Messaggi: 3223
- Iscritto il: 14 lug 2007, 11:57
Da segnalare anche l'esordio sudafricano, non proprio brillantissimo, di Michalak nel pareggio 24-24 tra Sharks e Cheetahs.Pukana ha scritto:Pukana ha scritto:Questi i prossimi appuntamenti pre-season per le squadre neozelandesi:
Reds - Blues
Ballymore, Brisbane - Giovedi' 31.01.08 at 7pm
Western Force - Crusaders
Olympic Park Stadium, Melbourne - Sabato 02.02.08 at 7.30
Chiefs - Hurricanes
Owen Delany Park, Taupo - Sabato 02.02.08 at 4pm
Highlanders - Highlanders Development Squad
Weston Domain, Oamaru - Venerdi' 01.02.08
I risultati del secondo turno di Pre-Season Games per le squadre neozelandesi:
Reds 19 - Blues 25
Western Force 7 - Crusaders 12
Chiefs 40 - Hurricanes 42
Highlanders 31 - Development Squad 0
I campioni dei Bulls hanno battuto i Lions 28 - 14
Watathas - Brumbies 48 - 19