BLEDISLOE CUP: RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

08.08.2015
New Zealand v Australia in Sydney

Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

Preview
It’s all happening in Sydney this weekend. The Rugby Championship decider sees the Wallabies take on the All Blacks in what is one of the traditional rivalries of test rugby.

Australia has a lot going for it in this match. They will want to end the four years of drought in tests involving New Zealand. They have improved since last November’s northern tour and under Cheika has gone from strength to strength. They appear to be building nicely for the World Cup. A win against New Zealand tonight will be a huge boost for their confidence, an area seriously lacking in the Australian team for some time. They will need to catch New Zealand on a bad day however.

The All Blacks have a history of performing well before and World Cup and then croaking at Semi-final or final hurdles, 2011 being an exception. It is a very nervous time for New Zealand supporters and I’m sure the team has this in mind as well. At this stage they are performing very close to world champions and I can’t see them losing tonight.

Last Five Encounters NZ 4, Drawn 1.
18.10.2014 New Zealand 29-28 in Brisbane (Bledisloe Cup)
23.08.2014 New Zealand 51-20 in Auckland (Rugby Champ., Bledisloe Cup)16.08.2014 Drawn 12-12 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup; Rugby Champ.)
19.10.2013 New Zealand 41-33 in Dunedin (Bledisloe Cup)
24.08.2013 New Zealand 27-16 in Wellington (Rugby Champ., Bledisloe Cup)

Australia Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
25.07.2015 v Argentina W 34-9 in Mendoza (Rugby Championship)
18.07.2015 v South Africa W 24-20 in Brisbane (Rugby Champ., Mandela Cup)
29.11.2014 v England L 17-26 at Twickenham (Cook Cup)
22.11.2014 v Ireland L 23-26 in Dublin
15.11.2014 v France L 26-29 in Paris

New Zealand Last Five P 5, W 5
25.07.2015 v South Africa W 27-20 in Johannesburg (Rugby Championship)17.07.2015 v Argentina W 39-18 in Christchurch (Rugby Championship)
08.07.2015 v Samoa W 25-16 in Apia
22.11.2014 v Wales W 34-16 in Cardiff
15.11.2014 v Scotland W 24-16 at Murrayfield

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Australia 4th, New Zealand 5th
Oceania Table: New Zealand 1st, Australia 2nd

World Rugby Ranking Points
New Zealand 94.33, Australia 85.23

Prediction Score: New Zealand 25-16

TEAMS

Australia
15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matthew Giteau, 11 Andrew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nicholas Phipps, 8 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 James Horwill, 4 Dean Mumm,
3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore (Capt.) 1 Scott Sio,

Replacements
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 James Slipper, 18 Gregory Holmes, 19 William Skelton, 20 Benjamin McCalman, 21 Nicholas White, 22 Matthew Toomua,
23 Kurtley Beale.

Head Coach: Michael Cheika

New Zealand
15 Benjamin Smith, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read,
7 Richie McCaw (Capt.), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Luke Romano, 4 Brodie Retallick,
3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Tony Woodcock.

Replacements
16 Codie Taylor, 17 Benjamin Franks, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Samuel Whitelock, 20 Samuel Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Malakai Fekitoa.

Head Coach: Steve Hansen

Milestones

• Test debut: New Zealand. Nehe Milner-Skudder
• Richie McCaw will eqial Brian O’Driscoll’s world record 141 test caps.

Team lists adapted from http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_68416,00.html

BLEDISLOE CUP 2014

18.10.2014
New Zealand 29, Australia 28 in Brisbane (Bledisloe Cup)

Review
New Zealand scored a converted try right on time to just edge out a much improved Australia 29-28. Once again the All Blacks showed the class they are in by building pressure at the end of matches to win. They nearly did the same against South Africa two weeks ago but McCaw’s decisions to kick for touch and not score points were poor decisions.

Australia were gutted at the end. They played the better rugby for most of the match but just couldn’t hold the AB’s in the last five minutes. Adam Ashley-Cooper scored a try in his 100th test but that last minute try spoiled his celebrations.

Following the match Australian coach Ewan MacKenzie announced his resignation as Australia coach.

See article here http://www.espnscrum.com/australia/rugby/story/244599.html

And the successor? http://www.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/story/244247.html

TEST RUGBY SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER

Because of other commitments I will be unable to fully review this weekend’s fixtures.

18.10.2014
New Zealand v Australia in Brisbane (Bledisloe Cup)
Poland v Netherlands in Warsaw (ENC 1B)
Sweden v Ukraine in Enkoping (ENC 1B)
Andorra v Lithuania in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2B)
Slovenia v Serbia in Ljubliana (ENC 2C)
Finland v Norway in Oslo (ENC 2D)

Briefly
New Zealand should defeat Trans-Tasman rivals in Brisbane. Steve Hansen summed up the clash-All the off-field drama in the Australian Camp will either cement the team and they will be a very great threat or it will unravel the team. This could be a most interesting clash.
Prediction: New Zealand by 20 points

ENC 1B
Poland already has a win under it’s belt so far this season whereas this will be Netherland’s first game. The Netherlands are the newly promoted side and may well struggle. Poland by 10 points.

Sweden also has had a game played and will thus have that advantage over the visiting Ukrainians. The Ukrainians also have what is virtually a civil war at home on their minds. Sweden by 15 points.

Lithuania were relegated last season to Division 2B after a golden era going back just two seasons. They will be eager to regain their place in ENC 2A and they must start with a convincing win in Andorra. Lithuania by 20 points.

Slovenia and Serbia get their 2014-15 campaigns underway in Ljubliana. Serbia were relegated from ENC 2B. Slovenia by 5 points.

Finland and Norway clash again after facing each other earlier in the month. In strange circumstances they will play their round 2 clash (2015-16). Finland won easily at home but I’d expect a tougher Norwegian side to win at home. Norway by 3 points.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP 2014

23.08.2014
New Zealand 51, Australia 20 in Auckland (Rugby Champ., Bledisloe Cup)
South Africa 33, Argentina 31 in Salta (Rugby Championship)

Briefly
Rugby is the game they play in heaven. That is a famous saying. Heaven came down to earth last night as New Zealand put on a performance that would have had the All Mighty standing to join a collective ovation at games end. It was simply amazing. New Zealand swept Australia off the park. It was not that Australia played that poorly, it was New Zealand played the game at a number of notches above what they played last weekend. Breathtaking performance!

South Africa were regarded as lucky to get away with the win in Salta. They had to come back from 16-28 to win this one. Argentina were simply magnificent up front and they played with enterprise, speed and some skill. Their encounter with New Zealand in Napier in two weeks time is shaping up to be a cracker.

AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND: Bledisloe Cup,Rugby Championship

23.08.2014

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Preview
There were many not happy with last weekend’s draw in Sydney. New Zealand fans, players and management were not happy with the referee nor with the way the All Blacks played. They weren’t happy with the draw either; it robbed New Zealand of an 18th successive test victory (Tier 1 nations that is).

The Australian’s weren’t happy with the weather and the fact they let this one slip away. In control for much of the game and with an advantage of two yellow cards given against the AB’s, they just couldn’t breach the Kiwi’s defence.

So this game is another new start. Australia can take a lot of credit the way they played especially the second half. This is a team that looks to be on the way up. Coach Ewan McKenzie is putting together a squad of players who continue to improve in skill, pace and team work. They’ll be looking to break the Eden Park hoodoo. Australia last defeated New Zealand back in 1986 when they won 22-9.

New Zealand played a shocker last weekend and were lucky with a draw. They rarely play two poor games in a row. They will also be without a few key players; Ma’a Nonu, Carter, Kaino and Woodcock are all form players out with injury. Back into the side comes Conrad Smith (now that baby has arrived) and Liam Messam who had a brilliant 2013.

Last Five Encounters NZ 3, Drawn 2.
16.08.2014 Drawn 12-12 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup; Rugby Champ.)
19.10.2013 New Zealand 41-33 in Dunedin (Bledisloe Cup)
24.08.2013 New Zealand 27-16 in Wellington (Rugby Champ., Bledisloe Cup)
17.08.2013 New Zealand 47-22 in Sydney (Rugby Champ., Bledisloe Cup)
20.10.2013 Drawn 18-18 in Brisbane (Bledisloe Cup)

Australia Last Five P 5, W 4, D 1 
16.08.2014 v New Zealand D 12-12 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup; Rugby Champ.)
21.06.2014 v France W 39-13 in Sydney
14.06.2014 v France W 6-0 in Melbourne
07.06.2014 v France W 50-23 in Brisbane
30.11.2013 v Wales W 30-26 in Cardiff

New Zealand Last Five P 5, W 4, D 1
16.08.2014 v Australia D 12-12 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Champ.)
21.06.2014 v England W 36-13 in Hamilton
14.06.2014 v England W 28-27 in Dunedin
07.06.2014 v England W 20-15 in Auckland
24.11.2013 v Ireland W 24-22 in Dublin

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-New Zealand 1st, Australia 2nd
Oceania Table-New Zealand 1st, Australia 2nd

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 93.42, Australia 87.32

Prediction: History goes with New Zealand as does the home ground. A much better game of rugby. New Zealand by 8 points

Teams

New Zealand
15 Benjamin Smith, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (Capt.), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Wyatt Crockett
Replacements
16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Benjamin Franks, 18 Charles Faumuina, 19 Steven Luatua, 20 Samuel Cane, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Beauden Barrett,
23 Malakai Fekitoa
Head Coach: Steven Hansen

Australia
15 Israel Folau, 14 Patrick McCabe, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Matthew Toomua, 11 Robert Horne, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Nicholas White, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper (Capt.), 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Robert Simmons, 4 Samuel Carter, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements (one to be omitted):
16 James Hanson, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Benjamin Alexander, 19 William Skelton, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Nicholas Phipps, 22 Bernard Foley, 23 Tevita Kuridrani, 24 Benjamin McCalman.
Head Coach:Ewan McKenzie

TEST RUGBY RESULTS;Saturday 16 August

16.08.2014
New Zealand 12, Australia 12 in Sydney (Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup)
South Africa 13, Argentina 6 in Pretoria (Rugby Championship)

Briefly
In wet conditions in Sydney New Zealand and Australia slugged it out for a draw. Neither side mastered the conditions or each other, the result decided by penalty kicks.

In Pretoria South Africa overcame a much improved and determined Argentina also in wet conditions.

Next Games
23.08.2014
South Africa v Argentina in Salta (Rugby Championship)
Australia v New Zealand in Auckland (Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup)

NEW ZEALAND v AUSTRALIA

16.08.2014

Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Preview
There is no doubt that this encounter has pushed the passion, the excitement and the controversy to giddy heights.The prospect of a tight encounter between these two Trans-Tasman neighbours always sharpens the enthusiasm for international test rugby. Players get edgy, coaches say things, spectators get dressed up and make noise whilst armchair critics take up their place on the edge of their chairs.

Lets look at some stats. This will be the 150th encounter between these two Trans-Tasman rivals. New Zealand has won the Bledisloe Cup for the past eleven years Australia only winning twice in the last twenty meetings. If New Zealand wins tonight it will be their 18th consecutive win. a record for a Tier One nation (Cyprus actually holds the world record with 23 consecutive test rugby wins since 2008!).

There are some interesting changes to each team’s expected line ups. Australia has made a controversial change at fly half where Kurtley Beale comes in for Foley, the latter dropping to the reserves. New Zealand will be without experienced Conrad Smith who is home with his wife whose baby is expected.

Australia will be vulnerable at hooker and on the wings where injuries have taken a tole. Despite that Australia goes into this match on a high. McKenzie’s team is starting to gel together well. Beale’s selection is viewed as a confidence boost to a team beginning to show depth in all positions. The Waratah’s Super Rugby win has certainly been a confidence boost for Australia.

New Zealand is still the best team in the world. Australia’s most experienced back Adam Ashley-Cooper said mid week that Australia would need to be at their best in all positions for a full 80 minutes to defeat the Kiwis. If they can do that they are in with a chance. Lose this test and Australia can virtually kiss the Rugby Championship and the Bledisloe Cup good-bye for another year.

Last Five Encounters
19.10.2013 New Zealand 41-33 in Dunedin (Bledisloe Cup)
24.08.2013 New Zealand 27-16 in Wellington (Rugby Champ., Bledisloe Cup)
17.08.2013 New Zealand 47-22 in Sydney (Rugby Champ., Bledisloe Cup)
20.10.2013 Drawn 18-18 in Brisbane (Bledisloe Cup)
25.08.2012 New Zealand 22-0 in Auckland (Rugby Champ., Bledisloe Cup)

Australia last defeated New Zealand back in 2011, a 25-20 win in Brisbane. Australia last defeated New Zealand in Sydney in 2008, winning 34-19

Australia Last Five P 5, W 5
21.06.2014 v France W 39-13 in Sydney
14.06.2014 v France W 6-0 in Melbourne
07.06.2014 v France W 50-23 in Brisbane
30.11.2013 v Wales W 30-26 in Cardiff
23.11.2013 v Scotland W 21-15 at Murrayfield

New Zealand Last Five P 5, W 5
21.06.2014 v England W 36-13 in Hamilton
14.06.2014 v England W 28-27 in Dunedin
07.06.2014 v England W 20-15 in Auckland
24.11.2013 v Ireland W 24-22 in Dublin
16.11.2013 v England W 30-22 at Twickenham

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-New Zealand 1st, Australia 3rd
Oceania Table-New Zealand 1st, Australia 2nd

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 93.81, Australia 86.92

Prediction: New Zealand by 8 points

Teams

Australia
15 Israel Folau, 14 Patrick McCabe, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Matthew Toomua, 11 Robert Horne, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Nicholas White, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper (Capt.), 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Robert Simmons, 4 Samuel Carter, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements
16 James Hanson, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Ben Alexander, 19 William Skelton,
20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Nicholas Phipps, 22 Bernard Foley, 23 Tevita Kuridrani.
Head Coach: Ewen McKenzie

New Zealand
15 Benjamin Smith, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Malakai Fekitoa/Ryan Crotty, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read,
7 Richie McCaw (Capt.), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements
16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Benjamin Franks, 18 Joseph Moody, 19 Steven Luatua, 20 Samuel Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Malakai Fekitoa/Ryan Crotty.
Head Coach: Steve Hansen

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND; Saturday 16 August

16.08.2014
Argentina v South Africa in Pretoria (Rugby Championship)
Australia v New Zealand in Sydney (Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup)

Briefly
The 2014 Rugby Championship gets underway this Saturday. Argentina travels to South Africa in what will be a very challenging encounter for them. New Zealand head to Sydney for a showdown with their Trans-Tasman rival and a chance to create a record of 18 consecutive test wins for a Tier 1 nation. The world record for all test rugby is held by Cyprus with an incredible 23 consecutive test wins between 2008 and 2014.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 19 October

19.10.2013
New Zealand 41, Australia 33 in Dunedin (Bledisloe Cup)
Czech Republic 17, Sweden 11 in Stockholm (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 1B)
Israel 18, Serbia 6 in Belgrade (ENC 2B)
Austria 58, Bulgaria 14 in Vienna (ENC 2C)
Luxembourg 9, Norway 7 in Oslo (ENC 2D)

Briefly
New Zealand continued its amazing winning streak defeating the Wallabies in Dunedin. Australia continued on with the improved showing against Argentina but although they had the All Blacks stretched at times New Zealand never looked like losing. In summary, Australia played very, very well, the All lacks were brilliant.

The Czech Republic notched up an important win that will give them some hope of keeping the impending relegation away a little longer. Bonus point loss to Sweden but still the result was a little surprising.

Luxembourg dominated the second half in this tightly fought game in Oslo. Bonus point loss to Norway is vital in this evenly fought division.

Austria ran away with the game against Bulgaria including a bonus point for scoring 4 tries. Bulgaria’s position looks very brittle.

Israel continued its winning ways (11th on the trot) with an away win against Serbia. The Israelis had to work hard against a determined home side but they certainly have some class and toughness in their team after their trip to luxembourg last weekend.

Next weekend will be Israel’s crucial Rugby World Cup qualifying game at home against Netherlands. This will be there third game in as many weeks. They will be hoping that their classy team work and motivation will overcome obvious tiredness after a very hectic three weeks.

Coming Up
26.10.2013
Ukraine v Germany in Kharkov (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 1B)
Netherlands v Israel in Netanya (WCQ Europe R3 Playoff)
Latvia v Andorra in Riga (ENC 2B)
Hungary v Slovenia in Hungary (Venue TBA) (ENC 2C)

NEW ZEALAND v AUSTRALIA: Bledisloe Cup

19.10.2013

Regret unable to cover this rugby test match due to other commitments.

Prediction: New Zealand by 15 points

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: Saturday 19 October

19.10.2013
Australia v New Zealand in Dunedin (Bledisloe Cup)
Czech Republic v Sweden in Stockholm (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 1B)
Israel v Serbia in Colnago (ENC 2B)
Bulgaria v Austria in Vienna (ENC 2C)
Luxembourg v Norway in Norway (Venue TBA) (ENC 2D)

Oct 10-13: CAR Division 3 North Tournament Due. Host-Egypt, also-Algeria, Mauritania and Libya-Cancelled due to unrest in Egypt

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: 24 August

24.08.2013
New Zealand 27, Australia 16 in Wellington (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Championship)
South Africa 22, Argentina 17 in Mendoza (International Rugby Championship)
Canada 13, United States 11 in Toronto (WCQ Americas, NACRA R2, 2nd leg)
Singapore 30, Chinese-Taipei 19 in Singapore (Asia Tri-Nations)

Briefly
New Zealand retained the Bledisloe Cup with a convincing win in Wellington. Australia played with more purpose in the first half but gradually the All Blacks, along with some horror errors from the Aussies, took control as the game progressed.

South Africa were pushed to the limit by a rejuvenated Argentina in Mendoza whilst Canada took the 2015 Rugby World Cup Americas 1 spot in the finals with a close 13-11 win over the USA. The USA now face Uruguay in the first of the repechage playoffs in November.

Singapore improved its IRB ranking position with a 30-19 win over Chinese Taipei at home. Hong Kong ‘A’ won the tournament but this was a vital win for Singapore capping off a successful season having won promotion to Asia Nations Division 1 for 2014.

NEW ZEALAND v AUSTRALIA: Bledisloe Cup; Rugby Championship

24.08.2013

Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Referee: Jaco Payper (South Africa)

Preview
Australia have it all against it as it endeavours to climb back from a 29-47 defeat in Sydney last weekend. Coach Mckenzie has stuck with his original lineup except for an injury to Hugh McMeniman.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen brings in rookie Tom Taylor (yet another Canterbury first five) and make what looks like a few rotational changes to his bench.

I can’t see Australia getting close in this one.

Last Five Encounters
17.08.2013 New Zealand 47-29 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup; Rugby Champ.)20.10.2012 Drawn 18-18 in Brisbane (Bledisloe Cup)
25.08.2012 New Zealand 22-0 in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Champ.)
18.08.2012 New Zealand 27-19 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Champ.)
16.10.2011 New Zealand 20-6 in Auckland (World Cup, Semi-final)

New Zealand Last Five
17.08.2013 v Australia W 47-29 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup; Rugby Champ.)
22.06.2013 v France W 24-9 in New Plymouth
15.06.2013 v France W 30-0 in Christchurch
08.06.2013 v France W 23-13 in Auckland
01.12.2012 v England L 21-38 at Twickenham

Australia Last Five
17.08.2013 v New Zealand L 29-47 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup; Rugby Champ.)
06.07.2013 v British and Irish Lions L 16-41 in Sydney
29.06.2013 v British and Irish Lions W 16-15 in Melbourne
22.06.2013 v British and Irish Lions L 21-23 in Brisbane
01.12.2012 v Wales W 14-12 in Cardiff
24.11.2012 v Italy W 22-19 in Florence

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: New Zealand 4th, Australia 11th
Oceania Table: New Zealand 1st, Australia 2nd

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 91.55, Australia 85.41

Prediction: New Zealand by 20 points.

Milestones
Tony Woodcock will play his 100th test for New Zealand
Australia last won against New Zealand in New Zealand back in 2002.

TEAMS

New Zealand

15		Israel Dagg	Hawkes Bay
14		Benjamin Smith	Otago
13		Conrad Smith	Wellington
12		Ma'a Nonu	Auckland
11		Julian Savea	Wellington
10		Thomas Taylor	Canterbury
9		Aaron Smith	Manawatu
8		Kieran Read	Canterbury
7		Richie McCaw (Capt.)	Canterbury
6		Steven Luatua	Auckland
5		Samuel Whitelock	Canterbury
4		Brodie Retallick	Bay of Plenty
3		Owen Franks	Canterbury
2		Andrew Hore	Taranaki
1		Tony Woodcock	North Harbour
16		Daniel Coles	Wellington
17		Wayne Crockett	Canterbury
18		Charlie Faumuina	Auckland
19		Jeremy Thrush	Wellington
20		Samuel Cane	Bay of Plenty
21		Tawera Kerr-Barlow	Waikato
22		Colin Slade	Canterbury
23		Charles Piutau	Auckland
		HEAD COACH: Steven Hansen

Australia

15		Jesse Mogg	ACT Brumbies
14		Israel Folau	NSW Waratahs
13		Adam Ashley-Cooper	NSW Waratahs
12		Christian Leali’ifano	ACT Brumbies
11		James O’Connor	Melbourne Rebels
10		Matthew Toomua	ACT Brumbies
9		William Genia	Queensland Reds
8		Benjamin Mowen	ACT Brumbies
7		Michael Hooper	NSW Waratahs
6		Scott Fardy	ACT Brumbies
5		James Horwell (Capt.)	Queensland Reds
4		Robert Simmons	Queensland Reds
3		Benjamin Alexander	ACT Brumbies
2		Stephan Moore	ACT Brumbies
1		James Slipper	Queensland Reds
16		Saia Fainga’a	Queensland Reds
17		Scott Sio	ACT Brumbies
18		Sekope Kepu	NSW Waratahs
19		Kane Douglas	NSW Waratahs
20		Liam Gill	Queensland Reds
21		Nicholas White	ACT Brumbies
22		Quade Cooper	Queensland Reds
23		Tevita Kuridrani	ACT Brumbies
		HEAD COACH: Ewan McKenzie

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: 24-25 August

24.08.2013
New Zealand v Australia in Wellington (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Championship)
South Africa v Argentina in Mendoza (International Rugby Championship)
United States v Canada in Toronto (WCQ Americas, NACRA R2, 2nd leg)
Singapore v Chinese-Taipei in Singapore (Asia Tri-Nations)

25.08.2013
Venezuela v Colombia in Asuncion (CONSUR B)
Paraguay v Peru in Asuncion (CONSUR B)

Briefly
Australia face an uphill battle to square the Bledisloe Cup series with New Zealand in Wellington. Another loss and the Cup stays with New Zealand.

Argentina will be licking lips at the prospect of entertaining the Springbox at home. Last year they managed a draw at home and will be looking to turn around their fortunes from last weekend.

Like Australia, the USA faces a struggle to pass Canada in their away clash. Down by an aggregate of 17 points they need to win by 18 to push the Canadians to the repechage stage and take the Americas 1 spot at the 2015 Rugby World Cup Finals.

On Sunday the CONSUR B competition gets underway in Paraguay.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 17 August

17.08.2013
New Zealand 47, Australia 29 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Championship)
South Africa 73, Argentina 13 in Bloemfontein (International Rugby Champ.)
Canada 27, United States 9 in Charleston (WCQ Americas, NACRA R2, 1^st leg)

Briefly
New Zealand and South Africa zipped off the starting blocks in the Rugby Championship with big wins. Their 47-29 and 73-13 wins over Australia and Argentina respectively mean they have gained maximum points from their first outings.

New Zealand just had too much pace and out-muscled their Trans-Tasman rivals at breakdowns. New Zealand celebrated their 100th win over Australia in style. Australia will need to smarten things up before their return clash in Wellington. It’s not going to get easy.

South Africa easily accounted for Argentina at home. The visitors didn’t help their own cause with two yellow cards in the match. It’s an area they’ll have to clean up before they take on South Africa again next weekend at home in Mendoza.

Canada placed one hand firmly on the Americas 1 place at the 2015 Rugby World Cup with a 27-9 away win against the USA. It wasn’t a great match. The USA fumbled and bumbled their way through the match and never really threatened their northern neighbours. The USA’s task is now very difficult, having to win by 18 or more points away against Canada again next weekend.

NEW ZEALAND v AUSTRALIA: Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Championship

17.08.2013

Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Preview
The big Southern Hemisphere Rugby Championship kicks off with test matches in Australia and South Africa. Old Tasman rivals New Zealand and Australia clash in a match which also sees the iconic Bledisloe Cup on the line.

Australia enters this test match with a new coach and a number of new players. Since taking over from Robbie Deans Ewen Mckenzie has ringed the changes, introducing seven new players to the day’s 22 and recalling controversial player Quade Cooper into the fold.

New Zealand has recalled Richie McCaw after a 6 month sabbatical and reinstated him as captain. They will be missing Daniel Carter and Liam Massom both out with injury.

Last Five Encounters
20.10.2012 Drawn 18-18 in Brisbane (Bledisloe Cup)
25.08.2012 New Zealand 22-0 in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Champ.)
18.08.2012 New Zealand 27-19 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Champ.)
16.10.2011 New Zealand 20-6 in Auckland (World Cup, Semi-final)
27.08.2011 Australia 25-20 in Brisbane (Bledisloe Cup, Tri-Nations)

New Zealand Last Five
22.06.2013 v France W 24-9 in New Plymouth
15.06.2013 v France W 30-0 in Christchurch
08.06.2013 v France W 23-13 in Auckland
01.12.2012 v England L 21-38 at Twickenham
24.11.2012 v Wales W 33-10 in Cardiff

Australia Last Five
06.07.2013 v British and Irish Lions L 16-41 in Sydney
29.06.2013 v British and Irish Lions W 16-15 in Melbourne
22.06.2013 v British and Irish Lions L 21-23 in Brisbane
01.12.2012 v Wales W 14-12 in Cardiff
24.11.2012 v Italy W 22-19 in Florence

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: New Zealand 4th, Australia 11th
Oceania Table: New Zealand 1st, Australia 2nd

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 90.08, Australia 86.87

Prediction: New Zealand by 12 points.

Milestones
If New Zealand win it will be their 100th test rugby win over Australia.

TEAMS

Australia

15		Jesse Mogg	ACT Brumbies
14		Israel Folau	NSW Waratahs
13		Adam Ashley-Cooper	NSW Waratahs
12		Christian Leali’ifano	ACT Brumbies
11		James O’Connor	Melbourne Rebels
10		Matthew Toomua *	ACT Brumbies
9		William Genia	Queensland Reds
8		Benjamin Mowen	ACT Brumbies
7		Michael Hooper	NSW Waratahs
6		Hugh McMeniman	WA Western Force
5		James Horwell (Capt.)	Queensland Reds
4		Robert Simmons	Queensland Reds
3		Benjamin Alexander	ACT Brumbies
2		Stephan Moore	ACT Brumbies
1		James Slipper	Queensland Reds
16		Saia Fainga’a	Queensland Reds
17		Scott Sio *	ACT Brumbies
18		Sekope Kepu	NSW Waratahs
19		Scott Fardy *	ACT Brumbies
20		Liam Gill	Queensland Reds
21		Nicholas White *	ACT Brumbies
22		Quade Cooper	Queensland Reds
23		Tevita Kuridrani *	ACT Brumbies
		HEAD COACH: Ewan McKenzie

* New test cap
http://www.allblacks.com/news/23002/Wallabies-team-to-play-All-Blacks

New Zealand

15		Israel Dagg	Hawkes Bay
14		Benjamin Smith	Otago
13		Conrad Smith	Wellington
12		Ma'a Nonu	Auckland
11		Julian Savea	Wellington
10		Aaron Cruden	Manawatu
9		Aaron Smith	Manawatu
8		Kieran Read	Canterbury
7		Richie McCaw (Capt.)	Canterbury
6		Steven Luatua	Auckland
5		Samuel Whitelock	Canterbury
4		Luke Romano	Canterbury
3		Owen Franks	Canterbury
2		Andrew Hore	Taranaki
1		Tony Woodcock	North Harbour
16		Keven Mealamu	Auckland
17		Benjamin Franks	Hawkes Bay
18		Charlie Faumuina	Auckland
19		Brodie Retallick	Bay of Plenty
20		Samuel Cane	Bay of Plenty
21		Tawera Kerr-Barlow	Waikato
22		Beauden Barrett	Taranaki
23		Ryan Crotty *	Canterbury
		HEAD COACH: Steven Hansen

* New test cap
http://www.allblacks.com/news/23008/REVISED-TEAM-All-Blacks-side-to-face-Wallabies