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Lions Tour of New Zealand 2017 - Game 1 vs Barbarians review - Did the Lions meet expectations?4/6/2017 The Lions face the traditional Maori challenge before kick off. It was finally here, the Lions Tour was about to begin. The people of Whangarei alongside some passionate British and Irish Lions fans filled the seats at the Toll Stadium as they waited patiently for what was going to be a stimulating game. As it got to a start, the Barbarians were very strong and near the halftime point of the first half, they were able to break some great defense by the Lions to get across the line with Sam Anderson-Heather opening the tour with the first try. Jack Stratton of the New Zealand Barbarians passes the ball out. As the game went on the Lions struggled to get past the kiwis and score a try and so they opted for penalty kicks instead. Irish international - Johnny Sexton missed his first attempt at goal before finding his confidence and having success in his second try. Tommy Seymour of the British and Irish Lions gets pulled down by Baabaas' back Sevu Reece. Perhaps, it wasn't exactly what everyone had expected, considering the Baabaas' were full of provincial players and they were going up against internationals. But the locals weren't complaining. Instead they were enjoying the maiden match of the tour. Towards the dying moments of the first half, the Lions were scrambling to get a try to get in front for the first time in the encounter but some strong defense from the Baabaas' rejected their many attempts. So the Lions had to go back into the locker room and regroup so that they could somehow find away to grab a 5 pointer in the second half. Inside the Lions changing room. Coming back from the break the Lions looked rejuvenated as they looked inspired and did their best to create something special. They were able to break the spirited defense from the home team and many phases later, English representative - Anthony Watson scored his team's only try of the night, out wide which gave hope to Lions fans. Owen Farrell who came off the bench, nailed the conversion and the score was 13-7. Unfortunately that was how the scoreboard looked for the rest of the night as there was never really a real challenge, but it was a relief for the Lions as it seemed at the beginning of the night, that it could've been a whole lot worse for them. They were able to sneak past the resilient Barbarians who didn't do too bad for a provincial team and you'd expect some banter here and there with Head Coach of the Lions - Warren Gatland and his son Bryn Gatland who played superbly for the Baabaas'. The Lions second match of the tour is on Tuesday 6th June at Eden Park against the Blues. Kick off is at 7:35 pm.
The Rugby World Cup 2019 Pool Draw was announced early this morning in Japan and All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen was present to draw out some teams. Other Coaches also included Jamie Joseph (Japan), Eddie Jones (England), Michael Cheika (Australia) and Allister Coetzee (South Africa). New Zealand were placed in Pool B with South Africa, who finished 3rd at the 2015 World Cup and are also a team that share a rich history with New Zealand. Going back to the 1995 World Cup where South Africa beat New Zealand in extra time. The All Blacks have played Italy multiple times at the World Cup and recently in last years end of year tour. The other two teams in their pool are yet to be confirmed. But it is for sure going to be a tougher road for the All Blacks in two years time. Pool C is probably the hardest pool with England, France and Argentina the automatic qualifiers. But in a World Cup you just never know what's going to happen, who's going to surprise us and possibly make history. Just like when the fierce Japanese beat the Springboks in the first round. It's going to be an exciting time as the Rugby World Cup will showcase the best rugby players in the world going at it, to win the Webb Ellis Cup and the hearts of their country - which has only been won by four countries. Watch the full draw below: There's 54 days to go and in these past few weeks there's been talk about the strength of New Zealand teams. It's hard to make any say about who might win the Lions tour, but from our part of the world seeing New Zealand players go at it every weekend, I think there's nothing to worry about. I may be a bit biased in saying that but I truly believe that the All Blacks this year will be too good for the Lions. But I still really do hope they bring a challenge and am looking forward to a great series. Go the mighty All Blacks!
The try scoring machine - Blues turn their season around with an amazing victory against the Bulls25/3/2017 QBE Stadium in Auckland's North Shore was host to the Blues as they took on the Vodacom Bulls. It was fitting that the game was at a different location because the Blues were also looking for some change and a win to gain confidence and turn their season around. The Blues didn't muck around and got straight into it, with halfback Augustine Pulu scoring the first try within the first 4 minutes. The try was then successfully converted by Piers Francis, and not long after the Bulls answered back with a try and it was all tied up for 7. Augustine Pulu celebrates a fantastic try. As the last 10 minutes of the first half arrived, the South African side started to look fatigued and lineouts from the Blues were looking pretty good which was definitely an improvement from last week. Every time opposition tried to tackle Pulu he always found a way to get out of it and similarly Ioane did the same. Many expected the game to be close but not as close as it was, going into the half time break. The Blues had one more chance to score a try with a lineout but the ball was turned over and that was another lost opportunity. The Bulls conceded 10 turnovers in the 1st half to the Blues 6 and it was a low-scoring half with both teams scoring 7 points. Melani Nanai makes a huge run as he scores his teams 6th try of the night. The second half was nothing but power from the home team and it got to a start with winger Matt Duffie scoring a fabulous try and once again Francis was on point to convert. There wasn't a long gap between this try and the next because as the Blues fought to the try line, Francis took control and with a terrific pin-point chip kick which was well timed by Matt Duffie he was able to catch the high ball to score his second try. It wasn't converted but the lead was slowly getting bigger and that was great news for fans. As the game progressed the Bulls were getting in the rucks and putting some pressure on the ball. Jesse Kriel came close and Jimmy Tupou was found to be doing a neck roll on Kriel which sent him to the sin bin with a yellow card. If it was last week's Blues team playing, missing a player would've effected them and maybe even cost them the game, but the Blues who played tonight soldiered on, and with 14 players on the field Ihaia West scored. If you thought that the Blues wouldn't be able to produce anymore, well think again. Because next up it was Matt Mould's turn to shine and he was also able to score, this time in the wing position. Then after the kick-off some passes and great speed led to another try and this one was from Melani Nanai who one-handedly caught the ball and raced to the try-line. The Bulls did have the last say as Rudy Paige scored and it was an enjoyable game for all the fans who had been waiting for a victory for 3 long weeks. It was also a game that the Blues should be very proud of. ![]() Matt Duffie: Auckland Blues Position: Wing Tries: 2 Augustine Pulu of the Auckland Blues goes for a great try. The Auckland Blues were looking to create something special at AMI Park and grab their second win after losing 2 straight. Whilst the Crusaders were looking to make it 4 straight to begin the season. The Blues absolutely dominated in the first half. It was like they were a whole different team and Blues fans were left asking where was this team last week? They played with urgency, determination, speed, flair and worked as a team. It was the type of play that the Auckland franchise were known for back in the day. The game got to a start and All Black George Moala scored a tenacious try to get his team on the board. Piers Francis converted and they were ahead by 7. The visitors carried on their brilliant game and the Crusaders just didn't seem to be on the same level. With another try by Moala the Blues had the momentum and belief to stay consistent and keep pushing to get more points and hopefully get a big lead, big enough so that the Crusaders weren't able to catch up. But you can never write off the 7 time super rugby champions. Left: Piers Francis (Auckland Blues) chases the ball with Crusaders wing George Bridge in the hunt as well. Right: Matt Duffie (Auckland Blues) looks on. George Moala of the Auckland Blues waits for the contact against Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor. With some great breaks the Blues were off again and this time it was halfback Augustine Pulu fighting his way to the try line. At first falling short but then getting straight back up and diving for a well-deserved 5 points. Again Piers Francis didn't fail to disappoint and converted the try. His great kicking and leadership in the backs showed and it was one of the key points in the Blues success. The first half ended and the Blues led by 19 points 21-5. There was going to be a lot of talking from coach Scott Robertson and maybe some changes. The second half saw a hungry Crusaders side come back to tie the game, and they weren't going to give up. The Blues had the chance to go for another try via a scrum, which would've given them some breathing space, but instead opted for the 3 points and Piers Francis had the goods. The decision to kick the penalty though might've not been the right one as the Blues later found themselves in trouble. A momentum shift by the Crusaders and a can-do attitude was more than enough to get them in front and in the last moments of the game, it ended with some shoves and trash talk between Francis, Mitchell Drummond and Mitchell Hunt. Overall it was a game that the Blues came so close to winning but yet they were still too far and the guys in red and black clinched the victory. 33-24. ![]() Piers Francis: Auckland Blues Conversion goal %: 100% Kicks: 6 Penalty goal % 50% Points: 9 Tackles: 8 It's 80 days to go and in just under 2 weeks a lot has happened. So let's go over some of the latest news on and off the field. Chiefs and All Blacks halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow has just signed a deal to play for French club La Rochelle. Kerr-Barlow leaves not long after other All Blacks teammates Aaron Cruden, Steven Luatua and Charlie Faumuina decided to make the move overseas.
You'd imagine this would effect the makeup of the All Blacks team. But Steven Hansen has even more on his plate, because there has been injury concern for All Blacks players. The Highlanders have been plagued with injuries, from Ben Smith to Waisake Naholo, Lima Sopoaga, and nearly the whole starting 15 from last years season. Even Coach Tony Brown couldn't get away from it, turning up to training with his own injury. But you've gotta feel for Nehe Milner-Skudder who fractured his foot in only the second round coming back from a year off because of a shoulder injury, missing out on the international season. But lucky for Hurricanes fans Milner-Skudder will be back in 6 weeks, in time for the playoffs. All New Zealand franchises got a win on the weekend except for the Blues who went down to the Highlanders in a game that was tight and was chock-a-block with turnovers. It could've gone either way but the Highlanders got the victory even with key players in and out. It's fair to say that the first 3 weeks of Super Rugby has been solid for kiwi franchises, though the Blues and Highlanders are looking to improve on getting some more wins under their belt, both have won 1 out of 3. News has just been out that Rugby bosses have chosen to go back to Super 15 for next season, and I'm sure fans will be much happier. There won't be too many teams to follow and each side will play each other at least once making it a fair competition. Internationally, England have been playing exceptional. Just under a week ago the whole World reacted to them equalling the All Blacks winning streak of 18 matches. With England's consistent and dominant play since Eddie Jones arrived on the scene, they'll be no surprise to see the Lions stacked with Englishmen on the tour. Many people have been asking and maybe this is something to think about - Should New Zealand/All Blacks be worried about England Rugby? 93 days to go and we've seen some magnificent play from players on the paddock. Standouts so far would be Rieko Ioane and Israel Dagg. Dagg who has had 61 test caps for the All Blacks, started off the super rugby season on a high and last year played tremendously and consistently for the national team. Whereas Ioane has only played 2 test caps and is just at the beginning of what looks to be a long career for him. Both players would make a huge impact if selected for the British and Irish Lions tour, and if they can carry on their great play throughout the whole season, it'll be no surprise to see them in the black jersey.
Rieko Ioane's Auckland Blues play the Chiefs in Hamilton tomorrow and Israel Dagg's Crusaders play the Highlanders at Forsyth Bar Stadium tomorrow as well. The first weekend of the Super Rugby has gotten of to a pleasing start, with some spectacular tries, busting tackles and some close wins. Speaking of close wins, last nights matchup between the Crusaders and Brumbies at AMI Park was tight, with the home team winning by only 4 points in a low scoring game.
Then there was a thrashing. The Sunwolves losing to the Hurricanes 83-17. The Highlanders lost in an upset against the Chiefs and have to spend the next few weeks without influential All Black Ben Smith due to concussion problems. With just one game gone for each super team, it is still early days, to call anything regarding players for the Lions Tour. But if the tour was tomorrow these would be my definite 10 selections: Rieko Ioane James Lowe Dane Coles Augustine Pulu Israel Dagg Akira Ioane Ardie Savea TJ Perenara Seta Tamanivalu Ihaia West Just a day after the Blues beat the Melbourne Rebels, there has been talk about 19 year old Rieko Ioane. Despite his age, his achievements spread across to attending the Rio Olympics with the All Blacks sevens team, playing 2 test caps for the All Blacks and having a superb season with the Blues last year.
He is definitely a talent and a prospect for the British & Irish Lions tour. It will be tough to break through with players like Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty and Malakai Fekitoa looking after the centre positions, but anything can happen. Who knows maybe Ioane will beat the odds and convince Steve Hansen that he's got what it takes. If he carries on his amazing game he's sure to be in the mix of All Blacks talk. We'll get to see more action from All Blacks players when the Highlanders take on the Chiefs tonight at Forsyth Bar Stadium. |
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