TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 27 August

27.08.2011
Australia 25, New Zealand 20 in Brisbane (Tri Nations; Bledisloe Cup)
England 20, Ireland 9 in Dublin (World Cup Warm-up)

Reviews
The test in Brisbane was an exciting game. One team dominated, built up a handy lead, for the other to storm back and look like winning but to just miss out.

Australia broke a long drought of victories against the All Blacks (excluding the win in Hong Kong last year) to take the Tri Nations for the first time since 2001. It was the same scenario as the result in Auckland earlier in the month, except this time it was Australia who, but for a period at the beginning of the second half, dictated play.

All the tries were superb efforts. Genia’s early try was excellent, 35 year-old Radiki Samo stamped his name into the history books of Trans-Tasman rugby with a brilliant solo try, Will Genia, was in action again, setting up a try to Kurtley Beale which was breath-taking, and Kiwi Ma’a Nonu’s try, who cut through a slither of a gap to score near the posts, were all tries that will be talked about for years.

Australia went into the second half with a 20-3 lead. They dominated play for most of the first half, exerting considerable pressure on the Kiwis. What little ball the All Blacks got they were forced into errors and turn-over ball.

Then the All Blacks stormed home at the beginning of the second half. So much did they dominate that period, playing mostly pick-and-drive play close to the rucks, they gradually whittled away the lead to close up to 20-20 with a superb Nonu try. As in Auckland the opposition scored immediately afterwards and although play sea-sawed excitedly for the remainder of the half, with New Zealand applying great pressure, the Australians held out for a memorable victory.

So what can we read into this result? Firstly New Zealand are beatable. Secondly, this was an excellent performance by Australia, thirdly, the All Blacks looked easily rattled, and finally, the All Blacks are going into this World Cup with two successive losses. Is that a worry or a blessing? Oh, so much to look forwards to.

Incidentally, I will be in NZ for the pool stages and will be relying on friends, family and internet computers to keep the World Cup alive on my blog and my web site. Not sure how successful that will be but to have my own personal internet access over in NZ is just too expensive.

An the other game? ‘Praga’ from planet-rugby’s forum says this.. “Yeah...Well while you lucky divils were watchin that [NZ v Australia] I was watchin the Ireland England ..ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ”. This was a scrappy game, which became scrappier as the game and rain progressed. England scored 2 tries to nil, and dominated play for much of the game. Ireland had their moments but nothing that really threatened the English line. Ireland now have lost four tests in a row and England broke their long drought of losses to Ireland. Apart from that it was..well, a little boring.

BLEDISLOE CUP TEST RUGBY: New Zealand and Australia in Tri Nations Showdown

27.08.2011
New Zealand v Australia in Brisbane (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)

Venue: Suncorp Stadium

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

Preview
New Zealand already has the Bledisloe Cup safely stored in Wellington thanks to their earlier win over Australia. As the holder they only required that win to retain the trophy. What is up for grabs is the Tri Nations Trophy and a huge amount of Trans-Tasman pride.

New Zealand lost last weekend to South Africa with what amounted to their ‘B’ side. But a loss is a loss not easily dealt with by a nations that expects their rugby side to win every game. New Zealand need the win to make sure their World Cup train is firmly on the tracks. A loss tonight would be a severe derailment.

Australia has a very poor record against New Zealand in recent times. They have lost ten of the past even encounters with the All Blacks. A win tonight is vital in restoring Australia’s place as a major threat at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. A clash with their Australasian cousins, and with so much at stake, is what the Australians need to bring out the best in them.

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding this Australian side, from suspensions, to in-team fights and to a sudden change of captaincy. This will be James Horwell’s debut as captain. Vickerman returns to test rugby after a three year gap.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has predictably made eleven changes to the side that last last weekend to South Africa.

Last Five Encounters
06.08.2011 New Zealand 30-14 in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
30.10.2010 Australia 26-24 in Hong Kong (Bledisloe Cup)
11.09.2010 New Zealand 23-22 in Sydney (Tri Nations; Bledisloe Cup)
07.06.2010 New Zealand 20-10 in Christchurch (Tri Nations; Bledisloe Cup)
31.07.2010 New Zealand 49-28 in Melbourne (Tri Nations; Bledisloe Cup)

Previous Encounters in Brisbane
13.09.2008 New Zealand 28-24 (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
29.07.2006 New Zealand 13-9 (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
27.07.1996 New Zealand 32-25 (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
19.07.1992 Australia 19-17 (Bledisloe Cup)
16.07.1988 Drawn 19-19 (Bledisloe Cup)

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

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 91.64, Australia 87.85

Prediction: A close game, with New Zealand clinching it late in the second half. New Zealand by 4 points

Teams

Australia
15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Anthony Fainga'a, 12 Patrick McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 William Genia, 8 Radike Samo, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 James Horwill, Capt. 4 Daniel Vickerman, 3 Benjamin Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Sekope Kepu.
Replacements
16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 Salesi Ma'afu, 18 Robin Simmons, 19 Benjamin McCalman, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Luke Burgess, 22 Robert Horne.
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw, Capt. 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Bradley Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements
16 Andrew Hore, 17 John Afoa, 18 Alistair Williams, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Andrew Ellis, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Isaia Toeava.
Head Coach: Graham Henry

RUGBY TEST MATCH: New Zealand in South Africa

20.08.2011
New Zealand v South Africa in Port Elizabeth (Tri Nations)

Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)

Preview
The last test played by South Africa in this seaside city was in 2006 against Scotland. South Africa won 29-15. South Africa lost to the 1974 British Lions 9-26 in this city but generally since 1994 the city has hosted nations below the top level of test rugby, and then few and far between. For the city to host a major test time like the All Blacks is a major coup.

Prior to the 1970’s Port Elizabeth was a regular host to visiting touring sides. South Africa’s first test match in 1891 was played here. Port Elizabeth was a regular graveyard for visiting All Blacks sides right up to 1970. New Zealand lost there on all four tours from 1928 to 1970.

The expectations on this South African side are now enormous. They have lost their last three Tri Nations game this season including a 9-14 loss to Australia at home last weekend. That was to be the match that was supposed to turn South Africa’s fortunes around. It heralded the return of a number of top players after recovering from injuries. The Springbox just did not handle the wet weather in the second half. A win to South Africa will be expected today buy the local fans. Nothing less will do.

New Zealand may have played into South Africa’s hands by sending a rather make-shift side to the republic. Nine top All Blacks have been left behind in New Zealand. Graham Henry is giving some of his second string players (and second-string combinations) a chance to prove their worth. For many players it’s a last opportunity to impress. And impress the could well do. New Zealand has a good record when fielding such sides.

It certainly is going to be a most interesting clash. The pressure on the Springbox could well tell. The New Zealanders will be able to witness first hand what home pressure can do to the national side. They will be facing the same situation come September.

Last Five Encounters
30.07.2011 New Zealand 40-7 in Wellington (Tri Nations)
21.08.2010 New Zealand 29-22 in Johannesburg (Tri Nations)
17.07.2010 New Zealand 31-17 in Wellington (Tri Nations)
10.07.2010 New Zealand 21-12 in Auckland (Tri Nations)
12.09.2009 South Africa 32-29 in Hamilton (Tri Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-New Zealand 1st, South Africa 3rd

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 93.26, South Africa 84.08

Prediction: It will be close. New Zealand just squeak in!

Teams

South Africa
15 Patrick Lambie, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements
16 John Smit, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 CJ van der Linde, 19 Danie Rossouw, 20 Ashley Johnson, 21 Francois Hougaard, 22 Butch James.
Head Coach: Pieter de Villiers

New Zealand
15 Israel Dagg, 14 Isaia Toeava, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Colin Slade, 9 James Cowan, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Adam Thomson, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Alistair Williams, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (capt) 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements
16 Andrew Hore, 17 Benjamin Franks, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Andrew Ellis, 21 Piri Weepu, 22 Cory Jane.
Head Coach: Graham Henry

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: 13 August

13.06.2011
Australia 14, South Africa 9 in Durban (Tri Nations; Mandela Trophy)
France 19, Ireland 12 in Bordeaux (World Cup Warm-up)
Wales 19, England 9 at Cardiff (World Cup Warm-up)
Italy 31, Japan 24 in Trieste (World Cup Warm-up)
United States v Canada in Glendale (World Cup Warm-up)-to come
Fiji 27,Tonga 12 in Lautoka (World Cup Warm-up)

Briefly
Australia got the result they wanted, South Africa didn’t. This was the best side South Africa could field and it was the most experienced in their history. But as the weather conditions changed in the second half so did Australia’s grip on the game. This was not a good sign for South Africa as they are likely to encounter changable conditions in New Zealand. The Tri Nations will now be decided on August 27 when Australia face New Zealand in Brisbane.

France began their World Cup campaign with a win over Ireland but the French camp would be left with worries. The French dominated the first half and looked very much like a cup final contender. In the second half it all went wobbly for the French as their discipline and game plans went wayward and Ireland fought back.

Wales defeated an English side that dominated possession and territory for much of the game. How can a team win so much advantage and lose? The answer is-ineptitude! The English backline was simply dreadful. They wasted good ball earned whilst Wales defended brilliantly. Smiles for Gatland, woes for Johnson.

Japan led Italy 17-14 at halftime and looked a likely winner at that stage. Italy fought back in the second half to clinch the game but it was a very rusty Italian performance.

Fiji defeated Tonga 27-12 to avenge their earlier July defeat (21-45) in the Pacific Nations Cup. For a change the Fijian discipline did not let them down. They were calm under pressure and deserved the win. Tonga will be concerned about the amount of possessions and territory they had in the second half without capitalising.

TEST MATCH RUGBY: Australia in South Africa

13.08.2011
Australia v South Africa in Durban (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)

Venue: King’s Park

Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)

Preview
This is turning out to be one of THE clashes in this years shortened Tri Nations competition. Australia is coming off a 14-30 loss to New Zealand last weekend whilst South Africa has recalled a number of top players who did not make the earlier tour to Australia and New Zealand. Australia must win this game to stay in contention for the trophy plus they dare not arrive in Auckland for the Rugby World Cup Finals with a string of losses.

Coach Robbie Deans has brought Higginbotham into his starting lineup after two high energy games for Australia off the bench. He was Australia’s stand-out forward last weekend. Prop Ma’afu returns to test rugby since his Super 15 injury. He played in most of Australia’s test matches last year. Australia’s scrum has looked steady against New Zealand and South Africa. His inclusion off the bench could make a big impact at scrum time. There are the only two changes in the starting lineup from last week with Nathan Sharp, arguably the best lineout jumper in world rugby, returning to the team. A 5-2 forward-back bench combination sees Radike Samo called into the squad.

South African coach has, predictably, made 13 changes to the line up that lost 7-40 to New Zealand two weeks ago. Captain Smith and Rossouw are the only survivors from that loss to start again this week. Returning are a group of players who have virtually missed a year of test rugby due to injuries, they being JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Butch James and Gurthrö Steenkamp.Other leading players not considered due to injury are Schalk Burger, Juan Smith and Willem Alberts. "We still have a number of leading players unavailable through injury but this is the strongest squad we have been able to choose from since 2009," said De Villiers.

It’s set for a cracker of a game.

Last Five Encounters
23.07.2011 Australia 39, South Africa 20 in Sydney (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)
04.09.2010 Australia 41-39 in Bloemfontein (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)
28.08.2010 South Africa 44-31 in Pretoria (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)
24.07.2010 Australia 30-13 in Brisbane (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)
05.09.2009 Australia 21-6 in Brisbane (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)

Previous in Durban
23.08.2008 Australia 27-15 (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)
21.08.2004 South Africa 23-19 (Tri Nations)
26.08.2000 Australia 19-18 (Tri Nations)
16.08.1969 South Africa 16-9
19.09.1953 South Africa 18-8
22.07.1933 Australia 21-6

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Australia 2nd, South Africa 3rd

IRB Ranking Points
Australia 86.58, South Africa 85.24

Prediction: South Africa by 3 points

Teams

Australia
15 Kurtley Beale
14 James O'Connor
13 Adam Ashley-Cooper
12 Pat McCabe
11 Digby Ioane
10 Quade Cooper
9 Will Genia
8 Scott Higginbotham
7 David Pocock
6 Rocky Elsom, Capt.
5 James Horwill
4 Nathan Sharpe
3 Benjamin Alexander
2 Stephen Moore
1 Sekope Kepu
Replacements
16 Saia Fainga'a
17 Salesi Ma'afu
18 Sitaleki Timani
19 Benjamin McCalman
20 Radike Samo
21 Luke Burgess
22 Anthony Fainga'a
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

South Africa
15 Frans Steyn
14 J.P Pietersen
13 Jaque Fourie
12 Jean de Villiers
11 Bryan Habana
10 Butch James
9 Fourie du Preez
8 Pierre Spies
7 Danie Rossouw
6 Heinrich Brussow
5 Victor Matfield
4 Bakkies Botha
3 Jannie du Plessis
2 John Smit, Capt.
1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements
16 Bismarck du Plessi
17  Gurthro Steenkamp
18 Gerhard Mostert
19 Jean Deysel
20 Francois Houggard
21 Morne Steyn
22 Gio Aplon
Head Coach: Peter de Villiers

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: 13 August

13.06.2011
Australia v South Africa in Durban (Tri Nations; Mandela Trophy)
Ireland v France in Bordeaux (World Cup Warm-up)
Wales v England at Cardiff (World Cup Warm-up)
Japan v Italy in Trieste (World Cup Warm-up)
United States v Canada in Glendale (World Cup Warm-up)

Briefly
South Africa plays the first of its Tri Nations home games against Australia with very little/no chance of taking the title. One gets the feeling that the South Africans have another trophy in their sights and that these two home games (they play New Zealand next weekend) will be their final Rugby World Cup preparations.

Australia will not want to arrive in New Zealand with a string of losses. This will not be good for the confidence of this young side. I believe they will bounce back and push South Africa very close. If they win in South Africa and New Zealand also wins next weekend, the New Zealand-Australia clash in Brisbane on the 27th August will be a cracker!

France plays its first serious World Cup warm-up test against Ireland whilst England and Wales play the return test in Cardiff.

Japan travels to Italy for a most interesting test. Italy has rightly taken its place among the top rugby nations of the world. It will be interesting to see how they handle the Japanese.

Canada and the USA clash again, this time in the USA. The Americans put up a good fight against the Canadians last weekend. A good showing Saturday may well see them clawing back some ground against the Canadians. Canada has dominated the USA in test rugby over the last decade. Could the USA be coming into some good form before the Rugby World Cup?

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 6 August

06.08.2011
New Zealand 30, Australia 15 in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
England 23, Wales 19 at Twickenham (World Cup Warm up)
Scotland 10, Ireland 6 at Murrayfield (World Cup Warm Up)
Canada 28, United States 23 in Toronto (World Cup Warm Up)
Argentina 78, South America XV 15 in San Juan (Non-test)

Briefly
New Zealand placed itself in a good position to take the 2011 Tri Nations Trophy with a emphatic win over Australia. A first half blitz saw them to a 17-0 lead at half time. Australia came back in the second half but the Kiwis never looked like losing.

England defeated Wales and Scotland just pipped Ireland in two Northern Hemisphere World Cup Warm up games. None of the teams look like world beaters but then they didn’t field their strongest sides.

Canada defeated the USA at home in a predictable win. The Canuks didn’t have the game all their way. The return game in Glendale next weekend will be interesting.

Argentina ended their home preparations for the 2011 Rugby World cup with an easy win over a South American XV

Next Weekend
13.06.2011
Australia v South Africa in Durban (Tri Nations; Mandela Trophy)
Ireland v France in Bordeaux (World Cup Warm-up)
Wales v England at Cardiff (World Cup Warm-up)
Japan v Italy in Trieste (World Cup Warm-up)
United States v Canada in Glendale (World Cup Warm-up)

TRI NATIONS AND BLEDISLOE CLASH: Australia v New Zealand

06.08.2011
Australia v New Zealand in Auckland (Tri Nations; Bledisloe Cup)

Venue: Eden Park

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Preview
Media talk this week bills this rugby test match as a preview of the 2011 Rugby World Cup final. I have said right from last year that Australia will be one of the teams in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final. If they can click on the day and if their forward pack can more than hold the opposition this exciting team should make the final. No other team at the elite test level can produce back play like this team does. Against South Africa two weeks ago they were simply amazing.

As a Kiwi living in Australia I’d be very happy to see New Zealand as the other finalists and perhaps finally win that damn Cup! For me this game is the pre curser to the World Cup final.

Changes have been made to both teams since they last played a test. New Zealand looks like a team with a very solid squad look about. Australia looks to have significant flair. This is a match I can wait to view.

New Zealand holds the Bledisloe Cup.

Last Five Encounters
30.10.2010 Australia 26-24 in Hong Kong (Bledisloe Cup)
11.09.2010 New Zealand 23-22 in Sydney (Tri Nations; Bledisloe Cup)
07.06.2010 New Zealand 20-10 in Christchurch (Tri Nations; Bledisloe Cup)
31.07.2010 New Zealand 49-28 in Melbourne (Tri Nations; Bledisloe Cup)
31.10.2009 New Zealand 32-19 in Tokyo (Bledisloe Cup)

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

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 93.19, Australia 85.45

Prediction: A close game-New Zealand by 4 points

Teams

New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw, Capt.6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Alistair Williams, 4 Bradley Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements
16 Andrew Hore, 17 Benjamin Franks, 18 Samuel Whitelock, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.
Head Coach: Graham Henry

Australia
15 Kurtley Beale, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Patrick McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 William Genia, 8 Benjamin McCalman, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, Capt. 5 James Horwill, 4 Robert Simmons, 3 Benjamin Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Sekope Kepu.
Replacements
16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Daniel Vickerman, 19 Scott Higginbotham, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Anthony Fainga'a, 22 Lachie Turner.
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND 6 August

06.08.2011
Australia v New Zealand in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
Wales v England at Twickenham (World Cup Warm up)
Ireland v Scotland at Murrayfield (World Cup Warm Up)
Canada v United States in Toronto (World Cup Warm Up)
Argentina v South America XV in San Juan, Argentina

WEEKEND TEST RUGBY RESULTS: 29-30 July

30.07.2011
New Zealand 40, South Africa 7 in Wellington (Tri Nations)
Laos 14, Cambodia 7 in Vientiene (Mekong Cup)-unconfirmed score
Mali 13, Niger 3 in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Final)
Burkino Faso 15, Ghana 3 in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Playoff 3^rd-4th)
Mali ‘A’ 3, Benin 0 in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Playoff 5^th-6^th)
Chad 13, Togo 0 in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Playoff 7^th-8^th)

29.07.2011
Mauritius 41, Nigeria 12 in Johannesburg (CAR Division 1D, Final)
Tanzania and Swaziland withdrew

Briefly
South Africa were severely bounced by the All Blacks on Saturday but nobody really seems to be too worried in the Republic. 21 top players are out of the ‘rehab’ and ready to take on Australia and New Zealand at home. Hmmmmmmm.

Laos retained the Mekong Cup although score is yet to be confirmed. They obviously won but the score is uncertain.

Mali are the reigning CAR Division 2, North champion. I’m not sure where that takes them. With some considerable luck they may get to meet the winner of CAR Division 2, South.

Finally on Friday Nigeria re entered the test rugby arena after a few very wobbly administrative years out of circulation. They lost but it’s good to see them back.

TRI NATIONS TEST RUGBY: South Africa v New Zealand

30.07.2011
South Africa v New Zealand in Wellington (Tri Nations)

Venue: Westpac Stadium

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

Preview
South Africa plays the second leg of their away games in this year’s shortened Tri Nations competition. Having lost the test 20-39 against Australia last weekend, the Springbox limp into Wellington with 20 add top-flight players left at home.

New Zealand is fresh from a 60-14 win over Fiji which was, as expected, a rusty first up performance. The Kiwis will be defending their hold on the Trophy which is a symbol of rugby supremacy between New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

New Zealand has rested a few key players for this test match.

Last Five Encounters
21.08.2010 New Zealand 29-22 in Johannesburg (Tri Nations)
17.07.2010 New Zealand 31-17 in Wellington (Tri Nations)
10.07.2010 New Zealand 21-12 in Auckland (Tri Nations)
12.09.2009 South Africa 32-29 in Hamilton (Tri Nations)
01.08.2009 South Africa 31-19 in Durban (Tri Nations)

South Africa last won against New Zealand in Wellington back in 1998, South Africa winning 13-3.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-South Africa 2nd, New Zealand 6th

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 93.19, South Africa 85.24

Prediction: New Zealand by 12 points

Teams

New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 James Cowan, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Richie McCaw, Capt. 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Alistair Williams, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Benjamin Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements
16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.
Head Caoch: Graham Henry

South Africa
15 Morne Steyn, 14 Bjorn Basson, 13 Adi Jacobs, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Daniel Rossouw, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Gerhard Mostert, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 John Smit, Capt. 1 Dean Greyling.
Replacements
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Ryan Kankowski, 19 Ashley Johnson, 20 Charles McLeod, 21 Wynand Olivier, 22 Odwa Ndungane.
Head Caoch: Pieter de Villiers

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND 30 JULY

30.07.2011
South Africa v New Zealand in Wellington (Tri Nations)
Cambodia v Laos in Vientiene (Mekong Cup)
Mali v Niger in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Final)
Ghana v Burkino Faso in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Playoff 3^rd-4th)
Mali ‘A’ v Benin in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Playoff 5^th-6^th)
Chad v Togo in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Playoff 7^th-8^th)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 23 July

Australia 39, South Africa 20 in Sydney (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)
Zimbabwe 26, Kenya 20 in Nairobi (Victoria Cup) Another source says 26-21

Briefly
Australia were simply too good for what was basically a second string South African side in Sydney. The Australian backs were magnificent whilst South Africa looked staid and predictable, except for fullback Aplon and winger Mvovo. It was just the reply Australia needed after their disastrous loss to Samoa last weekend.

South Africa will need to rebuild and rethink ahead of the second test on their tour, when they play New Zealand in Wellington next Saturday.

Zimbabwe did enough to win a rather scrappy game 26-20 (or 21) in Nairobi. There was not a lot to play for as Zimbabwe had secured the Victoria Cup and remained undefeated.

No news yet from the CAR tournament in Mali

TEST RUGBY: Tri Nations Rugby Gets Underway

23.07.2011
South Africa v Australia in Sydney (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)

Venue: ANZ Stadium

Referee: Christopher Pollock (New Zealand)

Preview

The Tri Nations rugby tournament gets underway in Sydney tonight. The symbol of supremacy in test rugby between New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, the Tri Nations this year also serves as a warm up for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, now only a few months away.

Australia has an uphill battle to prove some points in Sydney. Firstly they will want to wash away the disappointment of the result and their performance against Samoa last weekend. Without taking anything away from Samoa, the Australians were caught on the hop and a lot of that was blamed on complacency and inexperienced players. That excuse won’t hold up this weekend. Australia came to earth with a thud and the only way now is up. A second dud performance will be followed by sharpening of knives.

Some of that sharp edge may well be pushed in the direction of coach Robbie Deans who has a somewhat uncertain relationship with Australian rugby. During poor patches of form from his team over the last two years Deans has certainly come under fire from the media, past players, fans..well..everyone really. I can’t see Australia changing coaches so close to the 2011 Rugby World Cup but a poor performance wont stop the critics.

Thirdly, Australia is playing a South African side that on paper is..er..ordinary. Some 20 top notch players are back in South Africa nursing various wounds and the Springbox are not expected to be at full strength until South Africa plays its two home tests (The Tri Nations has been shortened due to the Rugby World Cup). A loss or poor performance against ‘South Africa B’ will be unacceptable to Australian rugby fans. Robbie Deans will be sitting close to the edge of his seat than the rest of the Australian rugby public tonight.

South Africa did this in 2007. In that year they won the Rugby World Cup after resting key players before the tournament. Are they doing the same again? Yep!

Last Five Encounters
04.09.2010 Australia 41-39 in Bloemfontein (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)
28.08.2010 South Africa 44-31 in Pretoria (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)
24.07.2010 Australia 30-13 in Brisbane (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)
05.09.2009 Australia 21-6 in Brisbane (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)
29.08.2009 South Africa 32-25 in Perth (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)

The last test between these two nations in Sydney
07.07.2007 Australia 25-17 (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)

The Last Time South Africa won v Australia in Sydney
31.07.1993 South Africa 19-12

The First Test Match Between These Two Nations
08.07.1933 South Africa 17-3 in Capetown. This was the Australian’s first test on their long tour of South Africa that year.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-South Africa 1st, Australia 5th

IRB Ranking Points
South Africa 86.44, Australia 85.45

Prediction: South Africa by 8 points. A result that will turn Australian rugby on its head!

Teams

Australia
15 Kurtley Beale, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Patrick McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 William Genia, 8 Benjamin McCalman,
7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, Capt. 5 James Horwill, 4 Robert Simmons, 3 Benjamin Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Sekope Kepu.
Replacements
16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 Pekahou Cowan, 18 Nathan Sharpe, 19 Matthew Hodgson, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Nicholas Phipps, 22 Anthony Fainga'a
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

South Africa
15 Gio Aplon, 14 Bjorn Basson, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Ashley Johnson, 7 Danie Rossouw, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 John Smit, Capt 1 Dean Greyling
Replacements
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Ryan Kankowski , 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Charles McLeod, 21 Adrian Jacobs, 22 Patrick Lambie
Head Coach: Pieter de Villiers

TEST RUGBY RESULT: New Zealand 23, Australia 22

11.09.2010
New Zealand 23, Australia 22 in Sydney

Briefly
I watched this game live. At 19-6 I thought, 'man, these Wallabies are going to run the AB's off their feet. Those Aussie backs look dangerous'.

Well as it turned out the All Blacks changed their game plan late in the second half from trying to match their opposites with equal back line flair to a gutsy forward-dominated attack. (like the AB's in the good old days!) That sapped all the flair and energy out of the Australians. It was a predicted move after being down by so much but if Matt Giteau had been on target the Aussies would have lead 28-6 early in the second half and I'd have doubts as to whether the AB's would have been able to come back from that far back.

I still think the Aussies lack front five grunt. They have everything else back to fullback. They would have the most dangerous backline in all test rugby at the moment. There were times when they made the New Zealand back line look very ordinary. But at this level of rugby you have to be able to match their tight five with your tight five or else you are sunk. Late in that half the Wallabies were sunk.

BLEDISLOE CUP: Australia v New Zealand

11.09.2010
New Zealand v Australia in Sydney (Tri Nations; Bledisloe Cup)

Regret due to other commitments I wont be able to cover this match today.

Prediction: New Zealand by 10 points

TRI NATIONS RUGBY: South Africa Dumped

04.09.2010
Australia 41, South Africa 39 in Bloemfontein (Tri Nations; Mandela Plate)

Briefly
Australia avoided the wooden spoon in this competition by defeating South Africa in Bloemfontein for the first time since 1933. A last minute penalty goal by Kurtly Beale sealed the victory after South Africa worked their way back from 6-31 down at one stage. As per last week, Australia dominated initially, built up a big lead only to have the South African's capitalise on errors and work their way back into the game.

The winning moment. Image unashamedly poached from planet-rugby

Oh so many questions. So many highs and lows for both teams. Australia scored more tries than South Africa and deserved their win but a win to South Africa looked certain with two minutes to go.

Australia I feel has the positives from this outcome. This is a young side. Looking at next years Rugby World Cup they look the team that will be the improving unit. They are young and inexperienced compared to South Africa and New Zealand. By next year, as Robbie Deans indicated last month, they will that much more experienced and wiser. Despite a mixed Tri Nations campaign, to me the future looks good for Australia.

I cannot say the same for South Africa. 2010 has been a dreadful season. Experienced players have lost form, newcomers have not made their mark and the overall unity that surfaced last season is missing. The coach, Pieter de Villiers, has made plenty of public blunders when talking about rugby and his team. He has, off the field, been an embarrassment to South African rugby. That's been tolerated whilst, as in 2009, the team was winning. Now in 2010 the South African rugby team and its management has gone pear-shaped. It don't look good!

Some interesting comments from planet-rugby forum.

From Robo. "For South Africans let's hope that this defeat signals the end of a dismal Springbok coaching career that produced endless controversy and a dismal Tri-Nations for supporters. Evident is that Peter de Villiers does not possess sufficient skill, knowledge of the game or selection skills (or selection gumption!) to take the Springboks anywhere. They haven't progressed one iota this season. Not an original idea or approach. The game moved on and the Boks marked time. An utterly clueless coach. His self-proclaimed "brilliant defensive system" was non-existent in the first quarter of this game - and it lost them the game. After that it would seem that mainly guts and pride brought the Boks respectibility. And yes, there were touches of real skills, not least from Victor Matfield. If the Boks had run the ball in that last minute and a half they almost certainly would have won, but no, it was back to the old, worn-out bash game, and it got them nowhere. What a waste of a season Peter de Villiers has produced! All the hopes dimmed and then expectation of Bok recovery dashed, accompanied incessantly by idiotic P Divvy side shows. One thing is evident, only lunacy in SARU would permit this debacle to continue - but, that said, I'm not counting out lunacy winning.

Congraulation to Robbie Deans. He finally got what he deserved".

Pintails1 said.."A thrilling game for all wrong the reasons. The Boks have not once been ready for an 80 minute encounter during the entire Tri-Nations. Aside from Steenkamp, Matfield, Berger, and Morne Steyn (and even in his case only because of his exceptional goal-kicking), this entire team needs to be reengineered and it should be clear that PDV is not the man for the job. First team players who do nothing for long periods of time and players who come off the bench and consistently concede vital penalties should not expect to keep their places in a team of the Springboks' stature. I must laud the All Blacks and the enthusiasm of the Australians and bemoan the pedestrian and complacent Bok performances in 2010".

And from MediaB. "I hope Peter de Villiers stays. He has Character and says what needs to be said. All the Tri Nations games were tight so lets cut this BS about any coaches needing to be sacked based on performance here. The journos were saying Robbie Deans was irredeemable last week. Those media swine play far too bigger role in rugby".

What are your thoughts?

TRI NATIONS RUGBY: Australia Battle South Africa Again

04.09.2010
Australia v South Africa in Bloemfontein (Tri Nations; Mandela Plate)

Venue: Vodacom Park

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

Preview
South Africa will play their final game test rugby in this series today. They won against Australia in Pretoria last Saturday. Both sides have won against each other so far this year so this game should settle the winner of the Mandela Plate at least. But are there other issues on the minds of both players and coaches prior to this test match.

Despite their win last week the South Africans are having a worrying form slide which started on the Northern Hemisphere tour last November. Prior to that they were decisive Tri Nations winners for 2009. Players have lost form, the team is no coherent and faith in their coach, Pieter de Villiers is slipping. Another poor performance, or worse still a loss, could herald in a new coach and new players for this years November Northern Hemisphere tour. It would be perilously close to the 2011 Rugby World Cup but a proud rugby nation like South Africa has a zero tolerance level for a team and coach that under performs.

Australia coach Robbie Deans has hinted to his team that players who don't measure up soon will find themselves out of Rugby World Cup contention. Perhaps the Australians are beginning to ask questions of their coach as well.

Is the writing on the wall for these two coaches? Images thanks to planet-rugby

So the scene is set not for whomever is the winning team today but whom may the losers be.

Last Five Encounters
28.08.2010 South Africa 44-31 in Pretoria ( Tri Nations; Mandela Plate
24.07.2010 Australia 30-13 in Brisbane (Tri Nations, Mandela Plate)
05.09.2009 Australia 21-6 in Brisbane (Tri Nations, Mandela Plate)
29.08.2009 South Africa 32-25 in Perth (Tri Nations, Mandela Plate)
08.08.2009 South Africa 29-17 in Capetown (Tri Nations, Mandela Plate)

Last Encounters In Bloemfontein
03.08.1996 South Africa 25-19 (Tri Nations)
21.09.1969 South Africa 19-8
02.09.1933 Australia 15-4

Few and far between appearances by the Australians in this inland city. The only win being back in 1933.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-South Africa 2nd, Australia 3rd

IRB Rugby Rankings
2nd-South Africa (86.75), 3rd Australia (84.52)

Prediction: South Africa by 7 points

Teams

South Africa
F Steyn (Racing Metro, France); JP Pietersen (Natal Sharks), J Fourie (Western Province Stormers), J de Villiers (Wstern Province Stormers), B Habana (Western Province Stormers); M Steyn (Blue Bulls), Francois Hougaard (Blue Bulls); G Steenkamp (Blue Bulls), J Smit, Capt. (Natal Sharks), J du Plessis (Natal Sharks); D Rossouw (Blue Bulls), V Matfield (Blue Bulls); S Burger (Western Province Stormers), J Smith (Free State Cheetahs), P Spies (Blue Bulls)
Replacements
C Ralepelle (Blue Bulls), CJ van der Linde (Free State Cheetahs), F van der Merwe (Blue Bulls), R Kankowski (Natal Sharks), R Januarie (Western Province Stormers), J de Jongh (Western Province Stormers), G Aplon (Western Province Stormers).
Head Coach: Pieter de Villiers

Australia
K Beale (NSW Waratahs); J O'Connor (WA Western Force), A Ashley-Cooper (ACT Brumbies), M Giteau (ACT Brumbies), D Mitchell (NSW Waratahs); Q Cooper (Queensland Reds), W Genia (Queensland Reds); B Robinson (NSW Waratahs), S Moore (ACT Brumbies), S Ma'afu (ACT Brumbies), M Chisholm (ACT Brumbies), N Sharpe (WA Western Force), R Elsom, Capt. (ACT Brumbies) D Pocock (WA Western Force), B McCalman (WA Western Force).
Replacements
S Faingaa (Queensland Reds), J Slipper (Queensland Reds), D Mumm (NSW Waratahs), R Brown (WA Western Force), L Burgess (NSW Waratahs), B Barnes (NSW Waratahs), A Faingaa (Queensland Reds).
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

TRI NATIONS TEST RUGBY

28.08.2010
South Africa 44, Australia 31 in Pretoria (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)

Briefly
South Africa maintained its undefeated record against Australia in Pretoria with this convincing win. Victor Matfield celebrated his 100th test match with a win. Australia and South Africa meet again next week in Bloemfontein. Both sides are battling to avoid the competition wooden spoon. New Zealand has already won the Trophy.

TRI NATIONS RUGBY: The Rubber is Dead

28.08.2010
Australia v South Africa in Pretoria (Tri Nations, Mandela Cup)

Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

Preview
The Tri Nations competition has already been decided with New Zealand's last weekend against South Africa in Johannesburg. What a shame we now have, with perhaps the exception of the Bledisloe Cup match, three more tests without a real purpose.

Read little into the last encounter between these teams. South Africa were a dispirited side in Brisbane, having lost two games in New Zealand and with it little hope of retaining the Trophy. In front of a patriotic Pretorian crowd, who will be jumping out of their skins to support local hero Victor Matfield playing his 100th test, the South Africans will already be five points ahead at the kick off. At this altitude strange things can happen to the ball. That is why Francois Steyn is back in the side after time in France. Is he up to this intensity of international rugby? We'll see.

Australia is a team still developing. There forward pack is a worry. There are a number of new faces in this team as Robbie Deans keeps an eye on the future as well as on the present balance sheet. The sheet doesn't look so balanced. For how long will fans be patient whilst the work in progress continues?

Both teams look even certainly as far as the questions and the doubts are concerned. Neither wants last place in the Tri Nations. Perhaps there is something to play for in Pretoria after all.

Centurions both-soon. Smit and Matfield together in training. Image thanks to www.planetrugby.com

Last Five Encounters
24.07.2010 Australia 30-13 in Brisbane (Tri Nations, Mandela Cup)
05.09.2009 Australia 21-6 in Brisbane (Tri Nations, Mandela Cup)
29.08.2009 South Africa 32-25 in Perth (Tri Nations, Mandela Cup)
08.08.2009 South Africa 29-17 in Capetown (Tri Nations, Mandela Cup)
30.08.2008 South Africa 53-8 in Johannesburg (Tri Nations, Mandela Cup)

Last Five in Pretoria
30.07.2005 South Africa 22-16 (Tri Nations)
23.08.1997 South Africa 61-22 (Tri Nations)
13.07.1963 South Africa 14-3
Amazingly, only three test matches played in Pretoria between these two teams. Most significant was Australia's disastrous match there in 1997 when the Springbox tore them apart.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Australia 2nd, South Africa 3rd
IRB Rankings-South Africa 2nd (86.15), Australia 3rd (85.11

Prediction: Very close. A smidgen to the hosts. South Africa by one point.

Teams

South Africa
15 Francois Steyn, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Janie du Plessis, 2 John Smit, 1 Gurtho Steenkamp.
Replacements
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Danie Rossouw, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Butch James, 22 Juan de Jongh.
Head Coach: Piter de Villiers

Australia
15 Kurtley Beale, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Matthew Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, Capt. 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Saia Faainga, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements
16 Stephen Moore, 17 James Slipper, 18 Ben McCalman, 19 Scott Higginbotham, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Anthony Faainga.
Head Coach: Robbie Deans