Month: March 2019

Sam Cane will make his return for the Chiefs in a highly-anticipated Super Rugby quarter-final against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday.

The team is boosted with the return of key players. In the forwards, Karl Tu’inukuafe and Nathan Harris are back in the front-row, and notably Cane will start at openside flanker.

In the backs, Damian McKenzie comes back in at fly-half, with Charlie Ngatai starting at 12 and Sean Wainui slotting back on to the right wing.

Head coach Colin Cooper is pleased with the consistency throughout the team selected for Friday’s clash.

Cooper emphasised the importance of this game now the team have entered the play-offs and how the team will be giving their all.

“It’s do or die at this point in the season, the winner takes all and we’ve talked about the importance of giving the best you can and your all for the jersey,” he said.

“We’ve put out a consistent team. Damian coming back brings a lot of X Factor into our game. We’re excited to see the combinations Damian, Charlie and Anton will bring as well as the leadership Sam Cane displays every time he takes the field.”

Cooper is aware of the quality the Hurricanes will bring at home and knows the team will have to be aware of their threats all over the field.

“The Hurricanes are going to bring a lot of intelligent skills to the contest. I expect them to use a lot of variety and they have a very good backline so there’ll be lots of threats around the park.”

Chiefs: 15 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Shaun Stevenson, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Lachlan Boshier, 5 Michael Allardice, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe
Replacements: 16 Liam Polwart, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Jeff Thwaites, 19 Jesse Parete, 20 Mitch Karpik, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Marty McKenzie, 23 Alex Nankivell

Date: Friday, July 20
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19:35 local (08:35 BST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Referees: Nick Briant, Paul Williams
TMO: Glenn Newman

---

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal is refusing to pay an EPCR fine of €75,000 for homophobic comments made during last year’s European Champions Cup.

Boudjellal was responding at the time to the alleged homophobic remarks of Toulon centre Mathieu Bastareaud, which were captured on camera during that match against Benetton. He told reporters: “At no point did Mathieu Bastareaud make a judgement on the sexual orientation of the player in question.

“I am not homophobic but I have already called someone a fagg*t. It’s become customary, it’s the first thing that comes to mind in an altercation.

“I am worried. What I fear is the mormon side of EPCR with the Welsh and the Irish.”

In addition to the €75,000 fine, Boudjellal also received a warning of a further €25,000 fine, and a ban from all EPCR competitions for three years following any similar offence. Toulon would also be subject to a deduction of five match points in their next EPCR competition.

In an EPCR statement referencing Boudjellal’s comments (following his team’s Champions Cup encounter against Benetton last January) it was explained that he had, “made comments that among other things allegedly condoned homophobic conduct, discriminated against and insulted various groups, and brought the game of rugby into disrepute by attacking, disparaging and criticising EPCR”.

The EPCR committee also noted aggravating factors which contributed to their decision, “including poor disciplinary records and poor conduct during the disciplinary process, and that these increased the severity of the sanctions imposed”.

However, Boudjellal was defiant when he spoke to French publication Midi Olympique: “I will not appeal, I will not pay and I will lodge a complaint for defamation.”

---

Leicester Tigers prop Ellis Genge will only return in 2019 after undergoing surgery on a knee injury suffered on international duty in the summer.

Front-rower Genge was part of the England squad on tour in South Africa but returned home before the third Test after picking up the injury.

Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor confirmed the news, saying: “Gengey has had the operation and everything went well from that point of view. He’s well into his rehab work now and then he’ll start fitness work and building up to play again.

“But he will miss the first phase of the season and we’re probably looking at him playing again in the new year at this stage. But he’s working hard on his recovery and will be god to go when he comes through that rehab.

“It is obviously very disappointing for him and for us, but I’m sure he’ll be raring to go once he gets back to full fitness and we know there’s still a lot to come from him.”

---

Brumbies centre Andrew Smith has announced his retirement from rugby, ending a career that saw him also play for Munster and Montpellier.

Although he did not win major honours, Smith played in both a Super Rugby final and a PRO12 final, with the former a fond memory for him.

“The Super Rugby Final in 2013 [versus the Chiefs in Waikato] was probably the highlight for me,” he told the Brumbies’ official website.

“We had a really good run through to the finals, won some amazing games away from home but unfortunately lost the final in pretty tough circumstances. We were in a position to win that game but just lost it late on, but it was a really successful year under Jake White.

“We had the belief we were going to win it that year and to lose that late was really disappointing.”

Another memorable moment for Smith was beating the British & Irish Lions in a Brumbies jersey, something that will live with him forever.

“Winning against the British & Irish Lions is probably the game I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” the centre continued. “It was just a freezing night in Canberra, to beat that team was incredible. We thought we had a chance that night actually. If you look at the side we picked there were a lot of guys who went on to play for the Wallabies, so we had plenty of belief that we could win the game.”

The veteran knows though the time is right to hang up his boots after 73 Super Rugby matches and six tries to his name for the Brumbies.

“Mentally and physically, I’ve given a lot to rugby and I just felt it was time,” he said. “Also with my family, the timing was right to move on. I’ve loved every minute of it, now it’s time for a new path, a new direction. I might take part in some touch football, some AFL 9s maybe, Sydney will be our home, so we’ll see.”

He concluded: “We love Canberra, we’ve raised three kids here, loved our time here. The support over the years has been amazing. So many friendly people, it’s always been great to talk to people after games, in the streets. The Brumbies community are very friendly, very knowledgeable. They’ve made my time here very special.”

---

Cardiff Blues, Wales and British & Irish Lion flanker Sam Warburton, OBE, has called time on his illustrious rugby career.

Capped 74 times by Wales and a further five by the British & Irish Lions, Warburton led his country for a record 49 times.

Classed as one of rugby’s modern greats, the 29-year-old’s final match was the Lions’ Test draw against the All Blacks in June 2017. Following the series in New Zealand, Warburton has been working to recover from neck and knee surgery and returned to training in earnest this summer.

Since returning to pre-season with Cardiff Blues it has become clear to Warburton that he wouldn’t be able to return to the high standards he has set throughout his career and has reluctantly made the decision to retire.

He bows out with a glittering C.V. that includes leading Wales to Grand Slam and Six Nations glory as well as to two Rugby World Cups.

“Unfortunately, after a long period of rest and rehabilitation the decision to retire from rugby has been made with my health and wellbeing as a priority as my body is unable to give me back what I had hope for on my return to training,” he said.

“I cannot thank the Welsh Rugby Union and Cardiff Blues enough, who have gone beyond the call of duty, in providing the support I received to help me get back on the field, for which I will be forever grateful.

“Since I first played aged 10 at Llanishen Fach Primary School, then Whitchurch High School and Rhiwbina Juniors RFC, I always dreamed of playing for my hometown club the Cardiff Blues, Wales and the British and Irish Lions. To look back on my career, I’m extremely proud of what I managed to achieve.

“There are so many people who helped me along the way from schoolteachers, coaches, friends and family. I thank you so much for supporting my dreams and aspirations. I hope they too can take some pride from my career.

“I would like the make special mention of Warren Gatland. Without the faith he had in me and his unwavering support I would never have had the career I was able to pursue.

“Countless people work behind the scenes in professional rugby but I would like to thank to the fantastic medical teams at both WRU and Cardiff Blues who have looked after me throughout my career.

“To my amazing wife Rachel and my close family and friends who have endured the emotional rollercoaster of playing professional rugby, I am so lucky to have such a fantastic support network and loving family to help me get through all the testing times.

“Lastly, to all the many fans, with whom I’ve shared some fantastic memories with, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for all your support. From providing a random hug in a supermarket, or simply offering words of support and encouragement, to hearing a cheer after my name was announced at the national stadium, you are what makes playing professional rugby so special and such a privilege. It’s been an absolute pleasure to represent you all and an honour I’ll sorely miss.

“As one chapter finishes, another begins, which I’ll enter with the same level of passion and determination as the last.”

Warburton will go down in history as the most successful British & Irish Lions captains of all time. Last year he became only the second man to captain the Lions on two tours as he led the famous touring team to New Zealand, repeating the honour he first undertook in 2013 in Australia.

Under his leadership the Lions claimed a first Test series victory in 16 years when the beat Australia and four years later in 2017 he once again led the Lions as they earned an historic series draw against world champions New Zealand.

He has spent his entire professional career with Cardiff Blues, making his debut for his hometown region in April 2009. Just two months later, in June 2009 he made his international debut against the USA in Chicago and in 2010 he was part of the Blues side that won the European Challenge Cup.

The Whitchurch High School product played junior rugby for Rhiwbina RFC and then Glamorgan Wanderers RFC. He then represented Wales at all age-grades, captaining the U18, U19 and U20 sides.

Aged just 22, he was named Wales captain for the first time in June 2011 when Wales faced the Barbarians and he then led Wales into the Rugby World Cup later that year.

Richard Holland, Chief Executive Officer of the Cardiff Blues said: “We are obviously disappointed to lose a player of Sam’s calibre but we entirely understand and respect his decision.

“Sam was desperate to get back onto the pitch and to give back to Cardiff Blues but he has contributed an immense amount to the entire organisation during the 10 years he has been here.

“He has remained a one-club man, which is testament to his character both as a player and a man, and will always be part of our family at Cardiff Arms Park. I look forward to meeting Sam in the coming weeks to discuss how he can remain part of the organisation moving forward.

“We could not be prouder of Sam’s achievements both at Cardiff Blues where he has made more than 100 appearances and on the international stage with Wales and the Lions, where he has continued a long and rich tradition.

“He is a true great of the game and we wish him all the very best for life after rugby.”

John Mulvihill, head coach of the Cardiff Blues, said: “I met with Sam and he informed me of his decision and his reasons behind it. He is a world-class player and person and was more concerned about letting myself and the Cardiff Blues family down rather than his immediate future.

“As a player, person and role model in rugby he has nothing else to prove. His class and achievements will stand the test of time. He is a Welsh rugby and Cardiff Blues legend and we all wish him and his young family much love, health and happiness in the future.”

Warren Gatland who handed Warburton the Wales and British & Irish Lions captaincy said: “It is hugely disappointing that Sam has retired from the game. He is an outstanding rugby player and he has brought so much to the game on and off the pitch. His leadership, attitude and demeanor along with his performances have placed Sam up there as one of the best and most respected players in the world. He finishes with a record that he should be extremely proud of and should look back on his career with huge pride.

“In a test career full of great moments, one in particular sticks in my mind. His captaincy in the third test for the Lions in New Zealand, in a game finely balanced and potentially historic, was exemplary. The New Zealand media were mightily impressed by him, and rightly so.

“I hope he can take the time to reflect on a magnificent career and I hope he gets as much pleasure from whatever he does next as he has brought to the people of Wales and the wider rugby public.”

Martyn Phillips, WRU Chief Executive said: “Sam has left the jersey in a better place which is the goal I know most, if not all, Welsh players set themselves. The way that Sam has conducted himself as Wales and Lions captain, on and off the pitch, has been exemplary.

“Even the manner in which he has made this extraordinarily tough decision demonstrates the quality of leader he has become. Sam has had a remarkable influence on the pitch for Wales and I suspect will have a remarkable influence off the pitch for many years to come.”

---

Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson has made just one change to his starting line-up for their Super Rugby quarter-final against the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Alex Newsome will start on the right wing in place of Cam Clark, who moves to the bench.

Coach Gibson said: “Alex has been impressive the last few games in terms of impact off the bench. He really deserves a start, he has earned that. Every time he has touched the ball he has really added, he’s exciting. He has some excellent wingers he is going to be up against but we know he can do the job there.”

“The Highlanders are a very clever team, trying different stuff and exciting to watch. A lot of our preparation has been about how to prevent that. We have an excellent attack and for us we need to ensure that our defence is solid and making sure that we don’t concede tries as well,” he added.

The Honourable Stuart Ayres MP, Minister for Sport showed his support for the team today.

“It is fantastic that the Minister is here today to lend his support to the team and we are determined to represent the State proudly in what is our final, potentially our home final,” Gibson said.

The Minister called on rugby supporters in NSW to get behind the NSW Waratahs.

“This is a call to arms to all rugby fans across NSW. This weekend is your home final so don’t make any excuses. Get in a car, jump on a plane, catch a train, walk to the ground if you have to but this is your opportunity to get behind the Waratahs and their final against the Highlanders,” the Minister said.

Waratahs hooker Damien Fitzpatrick will play his 50th match for New South Wales and is three caps away from a half century of Super Rugby games.

Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Alex Newsome, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 10 Bernard Foley (c), 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Will Miller, 6 Ned Hanigan, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Jed Holloway, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Tom Robertson
Replacements: 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18 Paddy Ryan, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Brad Wilkin, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Cameron Clark, 23 Bryce Hegarty

Date: Saturday, July 21
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 20:05 local (11:05 BST, 10:05 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Nic Berry (Australia), Will Houston (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)

---

Ahead of the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens which kicks off in San Francisco this weekend, here is a look back at a classic final from 1997.

Waisale Serevi and Marika Vunibaka were in this Fijian side as they beat a South African team including Joost van der Westhuizen and Bobby Skinstad.

Sit back and enjoy his one.

Video credit: World Rugby

---

Few players are as loved across the entire rugby world as Sam Warburton.

From Dublin to Dunedin, the former British & Irish Lions skipper earned respect the hard way; by his granite performances on the pitch and his personable demeanour off it.

One of his oldest foes, former England skipper Lewis Moody was quick to join the tributes following the news that the Welshman had been forced to retire prematurely through injury:

“Having played the first half of my international career against my old pal Martyn Williams, when Sam burst on the scene in 2010 he presented an entirely different challenge for us and me in particular,” explained Moody.

“Powerful over the ball and physical in contact, what really struck me about him was his incredible workrate and engine. He was absolutely everywhere and caused us a lot of issues through his sheer relentlessness and error-free consistency.”

“When we both entered the 2011 World Cup as our respective national captains, I was interested to see how he’d go. It was clear that he had serious leadership credentials but those based upon example and deed, rather than bluff and bluster. He’d put his head where others fear to put their feet and there’s a lot to be said for that type of leadership,” admired Moody.

“Of course, he was desperately unlucky to be sent off in the semi-final; six months before or six months after that would have been a ‘wonderful tackle’ or a penalty at worst, depending on where in the timeline of law changes you were. In fairness, many good judges believed Wales were the best side in that tournament and perhaps had he not been carded, the Celtic fortunes may have been different.

“What you can say is under his leadership, both Wales and the Lions thrived. Wales’ record under his captaincy is utterly outstanding, littered with honours; the Lions – well they’re unbeaten in two series under Sam’s leadership and I have absolutely no doubt he’d have been wearing the armband for a record third time in South Africa had he remained fit,” noted the former Tigers flanker.

“Sam’s performances in New Zealand should seal the debate over his ability. Moving from openside to blindside isn’t as straight forward as some think, and if anyone ever re-watches the tape of his match-winning performance in the second Test all you will hear is referee Jerome Garces bellowing “Roll away Six! Hands off Six!” as he became the thorn in the All Blacks side that, with the obvious red card, turned the Lions’ fortunes. He was monumental in that game, absolutely outstanding and don’t forget he was up against a trio of Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read, none of whom are too shabby!

“It’s devastating for Warburton and rugby in general, but surely this is yet another marker of how physical the game has become and how short a player’s career can be? The game is brutal now; it’s not so much collisions as multiple pile ups these days, and we need to manage this.

“I also feel Sam, like myself, struggled to keep weight and muscle mass on his frame. When you’re naturally always fighting to keep up to a playing weight of say 100-110kgs, operations set you back months in terms of muscle loss, and the recovery road is brutal to get that mass back on that’s so essential for the modern collisions.

“What struck me about Sam was enjoyment was everything for him and that really resonated with me as I was always the same. He wanted to love the sport, put in the quiet yet world class performances that teams cherish and fans adore, but in the final analysis, whilst deadly competitive, he played the game with a huge smile on his face, which says everything about him as a person.

“I well remember doing a show with him with BBC’s Claire Balding and off camera we chatted about the important things in life, family and so on, and how short a career can be. I thoroughly enjoyed our day and Sam’s company.

“Warburton is a humble person, modest to a fault and it’s such a shame we’ve lost such an iconic player, but let’s not be afraid to celebrate a great career. Players and people of his calibre are few and far between and I wish him well for the future and have no doubt he’ll succeed in anything he chooses to do.”

Lewis Moody MBE, a tearaway flanker, played 71 times for England and appeared in one Test for the British and Irish Lions. A rare England captain to win a Test in Australia in 2012, he was a key member of England’s World Cup winning side in 2003 and skippered England in the 2011 RWC. He will forever be remembered for winning the lineout that led to ‘that drop goal’.

by James While

James is a freelance journalist and the creator of Expert Witness, now in its tenth year on Planet Rugby, A qualified coach, he represented Headingley, Birmingham and Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton RFC’s as a back-row forward, gaining the dreaded title ‘utility forward’. He is also the Conference Producer of www.mipim.com, the world’s biggest real estate conference.

---

The Hurricanes and Chiefs meet for the second time in a week in a highly-anticipated Super Rugby quarter-final at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Friday.

It looked as if the Hurricanes may end up as the away side for this encounter after the Chiefs had raced into a 21-0 first-half lead last weekend in Hamilton. However, the Hurricanes rallied to ensure the Chiefs would not manage the 23-point margin required to overtake the men from the capital on the standings in the process.

This will be the third fixture between the sides this season with the Hurricanes winning the first meeting 25-13 back in Round 10 in Wellington. Of concern to the Chiefs is the fact that the Hurricanes very rarely lose at home against New Zealand opposition, let alone lose at home at all.

The ‘Canes have won 21 of their last 22 games played in the capital, including their last nine on the bounce. Meanwhile, they have won nine of their last ten games when hosting New Zealand sides.

However, their pack has looked disjointed and their backline incohesive as Chris Boyd’s men have slipped to four defeats in their last five games.

The Chiefs, by contrast, are in red-hot form with three wins on the spin against high-profile opposition in the Highlanders, Brumbies and Hurricanes.

Colin Cooper’s men have the highest scrum success rate in the competition and score the most tries in the competition off the first three phases (40). But, in the Hurricanes, they come up against the competition’s second stingiest defence behind the Crusaders.

Some big guns return to the Chiefs’ starting line-up in Sam Cane, Karl Tuinukuafe and Nathan Harris, which may sway the momentum in favour of the visitors, who are looking to make their first semi-final since 2013. They may feel this is their best opportunity yet since the glory days of 2012 and 2013 when they won back-to-back titles.

The last time the teams met: The two teams faced off against each other in a tense and thrilling New Zealand derby last weekend, where the Chiefs proved too strong, winning 28-24, thanks to a dominant first-half which saw them run rampant against the Hurricanes defence, leading 21-0 at the break.

Players to watch:

For Hurricanes: Could it be a final swansong for Julian Savea? The Bus will certainly be determined for it not to be as he looks to grab a second title in the yellow and black before heading to European heavyweights Toulon at the end of the season.

For Chiefs: Reduced to a bit-part player last season, only making six appearances, Solomon Alamailo has come from absolutely nowhere to take Super Rugby by storm in 2018. Only Akira Ioane (74) has beaten more defenders than Alamailo, while he has made the most clean breaks (64) and metres (1360) in the competition.

Team news: Hurricanes prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen will make his 100th Super Rugby appearance in Friday’s highly anticipated quarter-final.

Toomaga-Allen, who brought up his 100th match for the club last week in Hamilton, will become just the 15th Hurricanes player to reach the milestone.

The 27-year-old made his debut for the Hurricanes in 2012 against the Stormers alongside long-time team-mates Ben May, TJ Perenara and Brad Shields.

He will be the fourth player this season to reach the mark after Beauden Barrett, Perenara and Shields.

Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd has named a largely settled squad for the quarter-final.

Captain Shields has been bracketed to allow him as much time as possible to get over a rib injury while Gareth Evans will start in the number seven jersey in place of Sam Henwood.

There are minimal changes in the backline, although Boyd has moved Jordie Barrett to centre to allow the return of crowd favourite and centurion Julian Savea to the starting XV.

Savea will be on the right wing with Ben Lam on the left as Nehe Milner-Skudder moves to full-back as the Hurricanes prepare to face the Chiefs for the second straight week after the two sides played out an exciting 80 minutes in Hamilton.

Wes Goosen, who has been recovering from the head knock he suffered last week, has been bracketed on the bench with Jonah Lowe while the squad has been further strengthened by the return from injury of All Black Vaea Fifita.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs team is boosted with the return of key players. In the forwards, Karl Tu’inukuafe and Nathan Harris are back in the front-row, and notably Sam Cane will start at openside flanker.

In the backs, Damian McKenzie comes back in at fly-half, with Charlie Ngatai starting at 12 and Sean Wainui slotting back on to the right wing.

Head coach Colin Cooper is pleased with the consistency throughout the team selected for Friday’s clash.

Cooper emphasised the importance of this game now the team have entered the play-offs and how the team will be giving their all.

“It’s do or die at this point in the season, the winner takes all and we’ve talked about the importance of giving the best you can and your all for the jersey,” he said.

“We’ve put out a consistent team. Damian coming back brings a lot of X Factor into our game. We’re excited to see the combinations Damian, Charlie and Anton will bring as well as the leadership Sam Cane displays every time he takes the field.”

Cooper is aware of the quality the Hurricanes will bring at home and knows the team will have to be aware of their threats all over the field.

“The Hurricanes are going to bring a lot of intelligent skills to the contest. I expect them to use a lot of variety and they have a very good backline so there’ll be lots of threats around the park.”

Form: The Hurricanes have now lost four of their last five, having won their previous ten on the bounce. Those four losses all came away from home, however. At home, their form is terrific as they have won their last nine on the trot.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs are in red-hot form, having accumulated three wins in a row against fellow play-off contenders the Brumbies, Highlanders and the Hurricanes. The Hamilton outfit have won 11 and lost five this season.

Prediction: The Hurricanes’ home advantage to give them the edge but it should still go down to the wire. Hurricanes by 5.

Previous results:

2018: Chiefs won 28-24 in Hamilton
2018: Hurricanes won 25-13 in Wellington
2017: Chiefs won 17-14 in Wellington
2017: Chiefs won 26-18 in Hamilton
2016: Hurricanes won 25-9 in Wellington
2016: Chiefs won 28-27 in Wellington
2015: Hurricanes won 21-13 in New Plymouth
2015: Hurricanes won 22-18 in Wellington

The teams:

Hurricanes: 15 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Jordie Barrett, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Blade Thomson, 7 Gareth Evans, 6 Brad Shields (c)/Reed Prinsep, 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Michael Fatialofa, 3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Toby Smith
Replacements: 16 James O’Reilly, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Ben May, 19 Vaea Fifita, 20 Reed Prinsep/Sam Henwood, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Wes Goosen/Jonah Lowe

Chiefs: 15 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Shaun Stevenson, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Lachlan Boshier, 5 Michael Allardice, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe
Replacements: 16 Liam Polwart, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Jeff Thwaites, 19 Jesse Parete, 20 Mitch Karpik, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Marty McKenzie, 23 Alex Nankivell

Date: Friday, July 20
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19:35 local (08:35 BST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Referees: Nick Briant, Paul Williams
TMO: Glenn Newman

---

Former Wales and British & Irish Lions back-row Michael Owen joins the tributes to Sam Warburton, a man he regards as a national treasure.

Labelling the flanker as “the greatest of all Welsh forwards”, Owen played with and watched Warburton during his career and was full of praise for the retiring skipper – a popular player with the new betting offer sites.

“There’s an old adage in international rugby; ‘leave the jersey in a better place than where you found it’,” he said.

“If one player epitomises this it is and was Sam Warburton, who, in my opinion, has to go down in history as the greatest of all Welsh forwards and up there with Gareth Edwards, JPR and Phil Bennett as the greatest of all players. That’s how good he was.

“There’s many things that earn you respect in rugby; performances, humility, durability and simply, the ability to get on with the job without making a fuss about it. Sam had all those qualities and many more. The accolades that have poured in are for the right reasons – his performances, his leadership and his conduct, and you can’t get any better than that.

“He was Wales’ very own Richie McCaw. The standards he set took Welsh back-row play through the roof and he showed everyone around him that being ‘world class’ takes effort and commitment that is unfathomable to many.”

Owen continued: “A few have commented that with the emergence of Josh Navidi, James Davies, Aaron Shingler, Ross Moriarty and Justin Tipuric that Sam might be under pressure for his place; what they fail to realise is the very reason that those players have come to the fore is that they had the role model Warburton to emulate. He has set the standards that those guys must now match, and ultimately, beat.

“What’s fantastic is his personal performances in New Zealand 2017 showed he was capable of going toe-to-toe and beating the best in the world. He was exceptional in those last two Tests, his calm manner keeping the side real under immense pressure and getting the results and outcome his team and his country needed.”

In conclusion, Owen said of Warburton: “He leaves an immense legacy. We mentioned excellence and humility before and when people remember Sam, he’ll be spoken of in the same revered tones of Martin Johnson, Willie-John and Finlay Calder; teak hard guys who led by example and let their rugby do the talking.

“In the final analysis, the unassuming Warburton will go down as arguably Wales’ greatest forward and that’s a fitting epitaph to a stellar career and a wonderful leader.”

by James While

James is a freelance journalist and the creator of Expert Witness, now in its tenth year on Planet Rugby, A qualified coach, he represented Headingley, Birmingham and Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton RFC’s as a back-row forward, gaining the dreaded title ‘utility forward’. He is also the Conference Producer of www.mipim.com, the world’s biggest real estate conference.

---