Category: Rugby

The Hurricanes progressed to the Super Rugby semi-finals with a hard-fought 32-31 victory over the Chiefs at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Friday.

Tries from Julian Savea, Ben Lam, a TJ Perenara brace and two penalties from Beauden Barrett proved too much for the visitors, who scored through Brad Weber, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie, Lachlan Boshier as well as a McKenzie penalty.

The Chiefs dominated the opening 20 minutes of both halves but were thwarted by the Hurricanes’ line speed and discipline on defence, while the hosts were the more clinical of the sides on the day.

The Hurricanes will now meet the winner of the Crusaders versus Sharks clash, taking place on Saturday.

The home side took the lead within the opening minute when McKenzie tried to get a static Chiefs backline going with a long, looping pass which Savea clutched out the air ahead of opposite number Shaun Stevenson before racing in under the posts to give the home side a dream start.

However, the visitors hit back in the seventh minute. Lienert-Brown got the offload away for Nathan Harris, who made the mini-break and released Weber on his inside for a clear run to the line, capping off a well-worked team try involving superb interplay between backs and forwards.

The Chiefs had an overwhelming majority of the possession and territory in the opening 20 minutes. Credit to the Hurricanes, who defended stubbornly to limit the damage. And having soaked up the pressure, the hosts would the enjoy the better of the second part of the second half and score next in the 33rd minute.

It came after brilliant work from Ngani Laumape to hold up an opposition player five metres from the Chiefs try-line, creating the maul and winning the scrum penalty for his side in a wonderful position. From the resulting set-piece, Perenara got over with a trademark sniping break as the hosts took a 17-10 lead in to the interval.

11 minutes after the half-time break, Charlie Ngatai’s kick held up in the breeze and was pounced upon by the chasing Boshier, who went on a bullocking 40-metre run, shrugging off a couple of defenders, before being halted five metres short. The ball was shifted out to the left where Lienert-Brown had numerous options on the overlap, but finished the job himself, as McKenzie levelled matters at 17-17 after 51 minutes, setting up a tense final 30 minutes.

Just when the Hurricanes needed a response, one of their big players rose to the occasion in the 62nd minute when the talismanic Perenara went over for his brace from first phase with the sniping dart in identical fashion to his first.

Soon after, Solomon Alamailo was penalised for a deliberate knock-down and was lucky to escape the yellow card. However, the hosts would capitalise from the resulting scrum, spreading the ball out to the left wing, where Lam finished an incisive backline move on the overlap for a 32-17 lead

The visitors hit back with two late tries when Alamailo went on a scintillating break and delayed the pass expertly for McKenzie, who ran a great support line to dot down before Boshier powered over after a series of powerful carries from the forwards.

It wasn’t enough to overturn the 15-point deficit though as the Hurricanes won by just the one point – 32-31.

The scorers:

For Hurricanes:
Tries: Savea, Perenara 2, Lam
Cons: B Barrett 2, J Barrett
Pens: B Barrett 2

For Chiefs:
Tries: Weber, Lienert-Brown, McKenzie, Boshier
Cons: McKenzie 3, Ngatai
Pen: McKenzie

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), 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, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Wes Goosen

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

Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Referees: Nick Briant, Paul Williams
TMO: Glenn Newman

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The Waratahs host the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Saturday in what should be a thrilling trans-Tasman Super Rugby quarter-final.

This is the fifth consecutive year the Highlanders have made the play-offs, finishing in sixth position at the end of the round robin stage. They are also in the familiar position of being on the road having played only two knockout games at home since the inception of Super Rugby (1999 and 2015).

For the Waratahs, it has been some turnaround after last year’s record-low finish of 16th. The Sydneysiders are top of the charts for points, metres made and clean breaks, and third overall for tries.

However, their success has come mainly against weaker Australian opposition as they have only managed the one win against New Zealand teams – a 41-12 victory over the Highlanders earlier in the season. That scoreline may look emphatic, but it is important to remember that the Waratahs were playing with a man extra for three quarters of the game after Tevita Nabura was red-carded in the 19th minute.

The Highlanders have a pack equipped to stifle quick ball for the opposition, and if they do that successfully, it should prevent a potentially dangerous Waratahs backline stretching their legs. 125kg Taqele Naiyaravoro and three-times John Eales medal record-holder Israel Folau have scored 27 tries between them this season and that’s not counting how many they have created.

The Waratahs will take confidence from the fact that they average 35 points per game this season and in the Highlanders they are coming up against a side that has conceded 127 points in their last three fixtures since returning from the international break.

Much has been made in the build-up to the game, however, of the Highlanders’ decision to rest the majority of their key players last weekend, with the mind games being ramped up in midweek as the Waratahs said this could backfire on the visitors come Saturday. This was in response to Aaron Smith’s initial barb that the Waratahs may feel the ‘pressure’ of defending their ‘fortress’.

Whoever wins between these two sides will set up a semi-final meeting with either the Lions or Jaguares, who meet later on Saturday.

The last time the teams met: The Waratahs ended Australian sides’ 40-match losing streak against New Zealand opposition with a 41-12 win. They were helped somewhat considerably by Highlanders wing Tevita Nabura’s early red card, as they scored through Lalakai Foketi, Curtis Rona, Taqele Naiyaravoro (2) and Israel Folau (2).

Players to watch:

For Waratahs: While many of the plaudits have gone to Naiyaravoro and Folau this season, there is one man who has quietly gone about his business under the radar and that is Kurtley Beale. Since returning from his one-year-stint with Wasps, he has brought a calmness and assuredness that was sorely missing in the ‘Tahs backline last season. Certainly, Bernard Foley’s game has benefited from having Beale on his outside, who takes on the responsibility of doing plenty of the tactical kicking.

For Highlanders: Aaron Smith returns to the starting line-up in a huge boost for the men from Otago and will be a wanted man after his mind-game comments earlier in the week. Smith will thrive on the attention and harass and badger the opposition as usual, looking to prey on any mistakes or gaps left by the ‘Tahs defence. He is a big-match player and his high-intensity quick-tempo game sets the tone for the Highlanders at the beginning of matches. He’ll be looking to get his side off to a fast start as usual.

Team news: Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson has made just one change to his starting line-up.

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

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.

Meanwhile, the Highlanders welcome back several players such as All Blacks Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Luke Whitelock, with Rob Thompson also in the side.

Coach Aaron Mauger is excited by the opportunity they have this weekend.

“These are the opportunities the guys work hard all year for and there are no second chances,” he said.

“It’s simply about putting our best performance on the field on Saturday. The Waratahs are a quality side playing at home which presents an awesome challenge for our guys, but like I said, these are the games we love to play.”

Form: The Waratahs have won four of their last six fixtures and two of their last three since returning from the international break. Last weekend’s loss to the Brumbies brought them back down to earth somewhat but they are still in decent form.

Meanwhile, the Highlanders, by contrast, are having a bit of a hard time of things of late. As mentioned above, they have conceded 127 points in their three fixtures since the international break. They lost to the Crusaders and Chiefs by the same scoreline (45-22) before beating the Rebels 43-37 last weekend.

Previous results:

2018: Waratahs won 41-12 in Sydney
2017: Highlanders won 44-28 in Dunedin
2016: Highlanders won 30-26 in Sydney
2015: Highlanders won 35-17 in Sydney
2015: Highlanders won 26-19 in Dunedin
2014: Waratahs won 44-16 in Sydney
2012: Highlanders won 18-17 in Dunedin
2011: Waratahs won 33-7 in Sydney

Prediction: The hosts to show they can beat Kiwi teams with 15 men. ‘Tahs by 5.

The teams:

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

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (cc), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon (cc), 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Kalolo Tuiloma, 19 Shannon Frizell, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Matt Faddes

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)

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The tournament’s in-form team the Crusaders continue the defence of their Super Rugby title against the Sharks in Christchurch on Saturday.

Scott Robertson’s men are on a purple patch after winning their last 12 matches and are overwhelming favourites to progress into the semi-final stage at the expense of the Sharks, who are 10/1 with some bookmakers to win. History and the formbook makes a shock highly unlikely.

Looking at the Opta stats doesn’t make for pretty reading for the Sharks coming into the match which kicks off Saturday’s action. No South African franchise has ever won a finals game in New Zealand, with this being the 13th such fixture in Super Rugby history. Furthermore the Crusaders have won 17 of their last 21 games against the Durban outfit including each of their three previous meetings in the post-season.

Adding further weight to the Crusaders’ case for victory and a spot in the last four is the fact they have won their last 16 games on the bounce when hosting teams from outside New Zealand; the last time they lost such a fixture was in the opening round of the 2015 campaign.

What is positive for the Sharks however is the fact they’ve fared well against New Zealand sides so far in 2018. They’ve beaten the Blues, Highlanders and Chiefs this campaign, losing their only other clash with a Kiwi outfit 38-37 at the Hurricanes, which will give them hope.

But it’s extremely difficult to envisage the Crusaders not winning on Saturday as they are playing such formidable rugby at present, with the likes of Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Jordan Taufua, Richie Mo’unga, Jack Goodhue and George Bridge all in great form.

Victory would see them face the winner of Friday’s opening qualifier between the Hurricanes and Chiefs, which already whets the appetite.

The last time the teams met: It’s been well over two years since the Crusaders and Sharks last faced off, with that match taking place in Durban. The Crusaders won 19-14 as David Havili, Nemani Nadolo and Kieran Read crossed, with Lwazi Mvovo scoring a brace for the Sharks.

Players to watch:

For Crusaders: It’s been a superb campaign from young centre Jack Goodhue as his stock continues to rise in New Zealand. More game time in an All Black jersey is surely not too far in coming as his powerful and intelligent lines, skill-set and strong defence make him a talent. Also keep an eye on Scott Barrett, who is back in the side this week. His form for New Zealand and the Crusaders in 2018 has been excellent.

For Sharks: Winning the battle up front has to be the first port of call for the Sharks so the likes of tighthead prop Thomas du Toit need to gain the upper hand at the set-piece and in the tight exchanges. There will also be a lot of pressure on Daniel du Preez‘s shoulders as his carrying and dynamism must come to the fore against the likes of Jordan Taufua and Kieran Read. Du Preez will of course empty the tank.

Team news: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made five changes to the line-up that defeated the Blues for Saturday’s quarter-final.

All Black duo Codie Taylor and Owen Franks return at hooker and tighthead, meaning Andrew Makalio and Michael Alaalatoa move to the bench.

Scott Barrett also returns from a rest week to resume his role at lock, and Luke Romano will once again provide cover on the bench. The loose forward trio of Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd and Kieran Read remains unchanged, with Read having recovered from the wrist/thumb injury.

Bryn Hall and Mitchell Drummond will again switch for this game, so that Hall takes the starting spot at scrum-half and Drummond moves to the replacements bench. The only other change to the starting XV sees David Havili rejoin the squad at full-back in place of Israel Dagg.

Meanwhile, Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has been able to name a completely unchanged 23 for this Super Rugby quarter-final showdown.

A good effort against the Jaguares at Kings Park last week saw the Sharks through to the knockout stage courtesy of an eighth place finish.

Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira will play his 150th Super Rugby game in a Sharks shirt. He holds the record for being the most capped Super Rugby player for a single province and is just behind hooker Adriaan Strauss, who is the most capped South African Super Rugby player with 156.

Form: What more can be said about the Crusaders? 12 wins on the spin puts them in the best possible form coming into this game. Their only two defeats this season came in March, against the Hurricanes and Highlanders but since then they have been unstoppable in the competition.

The Sharks, meanwhile, have been inconsistent this season and haven’t strung back-to-back wins together since April 21 and May 5. Since then their record is lost, won, lost, won, lost, won, but that latter victory proved enough to see them make this knockout trip to Christchurch.

Prediction: Home win here as the reigning champions march on. Crusaders by 15.

Previous results:

2016: Crusaders won 19-14 in Durban
2015: Crusaders won 52-10 in Durban
2014: Crusaders won 38-6 in Christchurch
2014: Sharks won 30-25 in Christchurch
2013: Sharks won 21-17 in Durban
2011: Crusaders won 36-8 in Nelson
2011: Crusaders won 44-28 in London
2010: Crusaders won 35-6 in Christchurch

The teams:

Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Samuel Whitelock (c), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tim Perry
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Manasa Mataele

Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Ruan Botha (c), 4 Tyler Paul, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Wian Vosloo, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Makazole Mapimpi

Date: Saturday, July 21
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19:35 local (08:35 BST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)

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Perry Baker scored a brace as USA brought the curtain down on a scintillating day of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 action at AT&T Park with a 35-0 defeat of Wales to take their place in the Championship quarter-finals.

The hosts are joined in the race for the Melrose Cup by defending champions New Zealand, Olympic champions Fiji, HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2018 winners South Africa, RWC Sevens 2013 runners-up England, Argentina, France and Scotland.

The Championship quarter-finals will get underway at 15:32 local time (GMT-7) on Saturday with Scotland facing South Africa, Argentina taking on Fiji, France meeting New Zealand and USA tackling England.

The men’s tournament began with a preliminary round featuring the nations ranked ninth to 24th to determine who would progress to face the top eight seeds in the round of 16 and who would take their place in the Bowl bracket on the final two days of the tournament.

Papua New Guinea, making their RWC Sevens debut, came close to upsetting the form book when the 23rd seeds battled back from 24-7 down against Canada with some slick handling and pace leading to tries by Henry Kalua and Hensley Peter. There was to be no fairytale comeback, though, with Connor Braid making certain of a 29-21 victory for Canada.

Chile and Ireland were also involved in an epic battle that went down to the wire. Ireland, winners of a bronze medal in the London round of the series, looked to be heading for extra-time against the battling South Americans until they worked Jimmy O’Brien over in the corner with time up, much to the relief of the Irish fans in the stands.

The drama continued into the round of 16 with an incredible comeback by Scotland to beat Kenya 31-26. The eighth seeds had trailed 26-0 against the Kenyans, who had battled past Tonga 19-7 in their opening match, but five second-half tries to the delight of the AT&T Park crowd. Scotland made the most of the space created by Belgium Tuatagaloa’s sending off for two yellow cards to storm back, captain Scott Riddell coolly sending Jamie Farndale over for the winner.

Argentina’s 28-0 victory over Canada was more straightforward before the drama continued as France shocked Australia. With two and a half minutes to go the scores were level at 17-17 before Les Bleus found Tavite Veredamu in space out wide and he had too much pace and power for Australia.

The reward for France is a Championship quarter-final with defending champions New Zealand. The All Blacks Sevens beat Russia 29-5 to signal their intentions to become the first nation to win back-to-back tournaments. They led 12-5 at half-time but quickly built on that with Joe Ravouvou a constant threat with his physicality and speed.

Fiji endured an intense battle with Japan to start their bid for a third RWC Sevens title and went in at half-time trailing the Asian champions 10-7. However, the footwork of captain Jerry Tuwai, one of five Olympic gold medallists in San Francisco, ignited the Fijian attack and three quick-fire tries from Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra and Jasa Veremalua helped wrap up a 35-10 win.

South Africa faced no such problems against Ireland with Siviwe Soyizwapi becoming the first player since RWC Sevens 2005 to score four tries in a match in their emphatic 45-7 victory. That left the hosts to bring the curtain down on day one and, drawing on the euphoria of the crowd, they ran out 35-0 winners with captain Madison Hughes converting all five of their tries.

Rugby World Cup Sevens Results, Day One:

Kenya 19 – 7 Tonga
Canada 29 – 21 Papua New Guinea
France 50 – 0 Jamaica
Wales 33 – 12 Zimbabwe
Samoa 45 – 7 Uganda
Russia 21 – 7 Hong Kong
Japan 33 – 7 Uruguay
Ireland 17 – 12 Chile
Scotland 31 – 26 Kenya
Argentina 28 – 0 Canada
Australia 17 – 22 France
England 19 – 15 Samoa
New Zealand 29 – 5 Russia
Fiji 35 – 10 Japan
South Africa 45 – 7 Ireland
USA 35 – 0 Wales

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Ahead of Saturday’s qualifiers in Super Rugby, we are putting our head on the block and picking our winners from the three games.

The Crusaders open proceedings against the Sharks before the Waratahs host the Highlanders and the Lions and the Jaguares complete the day’s action at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

SUPER RUGBY

Crusaders v Sharks

Preview: The tournament’s in-form team the Crusaders continue the defence of their Super Rugby title against the Sharks in Christchurch on Saturday.

Prediction: Home win here as the reigning champions march on. Crusaders by 15.

Waratahs v Highlanders

Preview: The Waratahs host the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Saturday in what should be a thrilling trans-Tasman Super Rugby quarter-final.

Prediction: The hosts to show they can beat Kiwi teams with 15 men. ‘Tahs by 5.

Lions v Jaguares v

Preview: The Lions and Jaguares will clash for the third time this season when they go head-to-head in the fourth and final Qualifier at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Prediction: The Jaguares are much improved from the side that went down by 20 points in the regular-season fixture at Ellis Park, but we think that home advantage will be a decisive factor. Lions by 5.

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Check out which players have come and gone at the Top 14 clubs ahead of the upcoming season.

Agen

In: Romain Briatte (Aurillac), Xerom Civil (Carcassonne), Timilai Rokoduru (Angouleme), Adrian Motoc (Racing 92), Yohan Montes (Castres), Leo Berdeu, Andres Zafra (both Lyon), Fouad Yaha (Catalan Dragons), Benito Masilevu (Brive)

Out: Filipo Nakosi (Toulon), Antoine Erbani (Pau), Pierre Fouyssac (Toulouse), Vakhtangi Akhobadze (Biarritz), George Tilsley (Bordeaux-Begles), Arthur Joly, Kamaliele Tufele (both La Rochelle), Corentin Braendlin (Montauban), Loick Jammes (Brive), Jeremy Russell (Albi), Leandro Cedaro (Mont-de-Marsan), Lucas Tolot (Nerac), Florian Denos (Ceret), Ignacio Mieres (Marmande)

Bordeaux-Begles

In: Beka Gorgadze (Mont-de-Marsan), Nicolas Plazy (Colomiers), Romain Buros (Pau), Lekso Kaulashvili, Afa Amosa, Brock James (all La Rochelle), Peceli Nacebe (Fijian Drua), Seta Tamanivalu (Crusaders), Semi Radradra, Laurent Delboulbes (both Toulon), George Tilsley (Agen), Eto Nabuli, Kane Douglas (both Reds), Ulupano Seuteni (Oyonnax), Viliamu Afatia (Racing 92), Tevita Ratuva (Brisbane City)

Out: Sebastien Taofifenua (Toulon), Simon Hickey (Edinburgh), Johan Aliouat, Gauthier Doubrere (Biarritz), Jean-Baptiste Poux, Jayden Spence (both retired), Loann Goujon (Lyon), Hugh Chalmers (Vannes), Ed Fidow (Provence), Marc Clerc (Castres), Apisai Naqalevu (Clermont Auvergne), Metuisela Talebula (Bayonne), Tom Juniver (Massy), Ben Volavola (Racing 92), Pierre Gayraud (Toulouse), Tian Schoeman (Cheetahs)

Castres

In: Yann David (Toulouse), Paea Fa’anunu (Dax), Wilfrid Hounkpatin (Rouen), Martin Laveau (Bayonne), Tapu Faletea (Narbonne), Kevin Gimeno (Carcassonne), Marc Clerc (Bordeaux-Begles), Scott Spedding, Camille Gerondeau (both Clermont Auvergne)

Out: Damien Tussac, Alexandre Bias (both retired), Kylan Jaminet (Colomiers), Yohan Montes (Agen), Eric Sione, Afusipa Taumoepeau (both Perpignan), Pierre Berard (Beziers), Jordan Ladhuie (Carcassonne)

Clermont Auvergne

In: Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs), George Moala (Blues), Apisai Naqalevu (Bordeaux-Begles)

Out: Raphael Chaume, Noa Nakaitaci (both Lyon), Aurelien Rougerie, Luke McAlister (both retired), Malietoa Hingano (Stade Francais), David Strettle (Saracens), Alexandre Nicoue (Biarritz), Aaron Jarvis (Dragons), Atila Septar (Pau), Scott Spedding, Camille Gerondeau (both Castres), Otar Giorgadze (Brive)

Grenoble

In: Clement Ancely (Massy), Steve Blanc-Mappaz (Vannes), Junior Rasolea (Edinburgh), Taleta Tupuola (Montauban), Theo Nanette (Aurillac), Taiasina Tuifu’a (Lyon), Gaetan Germain, Mike Tadjer (both Brive), Halani Aulika (Sale Sharks), Pablo Uberti (Bordeaux-Begles), JC Janse van Rensburg, Raymond Rhule (both Stormers), Davit Kubriashvili (Montpellier), Ben Lucas (Reds)

Out: David Mele, Eddie Sawailau (both Perpignan), Aly Muldowney (Bristol Bears), Dylan Hayes (Angouleme), Benoit Jasmin (Carcassonne), Axel Paramelles (Nevers), Alaska Taufa, Taiso Silafai-Leaana (both Valence-Romans), Paulin Mas (Chambery), Pierre Maiau (Vannes), Sona Taumalolo (retired), Arnaud Heguy (Dax)

La Rochelle

In: Maxime Lafage (Colomiers), Ihaia West (Hurricanes), Arthur Joly (Agen), Brieuc Plessis-Couilloud (Narbonne), Marc Andreu (Racing 92), Remi Bourdeau (Beziers), Sila Puafisi (Brive), Lopeti Timani (Rebels)

Out: Lekso Kaulashvili, Afa Amosa, Brock James (all Bordeaux-Begles), Jeremie Maurouard (Lyon), Charles Bouldoire (Biarritz), Jason Eaton, Gregory Lamboley (both retired), Luc Mousset (Bayonne), Rene Ranger (Northland), Dom Barrow (Northampton Saints)

Lyon

In: Raphael Chaume, Noa Nakaitaci (both Clermont Auvergne), Patrick Sobela (Oyonnax), Jean-Marc Doussain (Toulouse), Charlie Ngatai (Chiefs), Jeremie Maurouard (La Rochelle), Jonathan Wisniewski (Toulon), Loann Goujon (Bordeaux-Begles)

Out: Stephane Clement (Stade Francais), Frederic Michalak, David Attoub, Hemani Paea (all retired), Mike Harris (Toshiba Brave Lupus), Theophile Cotte (Nevers), Tanginoa Halaifonua (Massy), Leo Berdeu, Andres Zafra (both Agen), Taiasina Tuifu’a (Grenoble), Theo Belan (Toulouse)

Montpellier

In: Johan Goosen (Cheetahs), Julien Ledevedec (Brive), Levan Chilachava (Toulon), Julien Tomas (Pau)

Out: Julien Delannoy, Jesse Mogg (both Pau), Joffrey Michel (Oyonnax), Davit Kubriashvili (Grenoble), Joe Tomane (Leinster), Charles Geli (retired)

Pau

In: Julien Blanc (Beziers), Dan Malafosse (Mont-de-Marsan), Antoine Erbani (Agen), Julien Delannoy, Jesse Mogg (both Montpellier), Atila Septar (Clermont Auvergne)

Out: Conrad Smith, Julien Pierre (both retired), Romain Buros (Bordeaux-Begles), Sylvain Charlet, Masalosalo Tutaia (both Perpignan), Brandon Fajardo (Colomiers), Julien Tomas (Montpellier)

Perpignan

In: David Mele, Eddie Sawailau (both Grenoble), Sylvain Charlet, Masalosalo Tutaia (both Pau), Wandile Mjekevu (Toulouse), Johan van Heerden (Baia Mare), Eric Sione, Afusipa Taumoepeau (both Castres), Manu Leiataua (Bayonne), Eroni Sau (Fijian Drua), Cyril Deligny (Narbonne), Paddy Jackson (Ulster)

Out: Christophe Andre (Provence), Yann De Fauverge, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Alasdair Strokosch, Lifeimi Mafi, Tevita Mailau (all retired), Joe Jones (Sale Sharks), Frederic Gendre, Mathieu Majeau, Thibault Dufau (all Dijon), Jens Torfs (Mont-de-Marsan), Samuel Faconnier (Ceret), Martin Garcia Veiga (FC Barcelona Rugby)

Racing 92

In: Finn Russell (Glasgow Warriors), Olivier Klemenczak (Dax), Simon Zebo (Munster), Fabien Sanconnie (Brive), Raphael Lagarde (Bayonne), Ben Volavola (Bordeaux-Begles), Dominic Bird (Chiefs)

Out: Dan Carter (Kobelco Steelers), Remi Tales (Mont-de-Marsan), Adrian Motoc (Agen), Benjamin Dambielle, Yannick Nyanga, Patricio Albacete, Casey Laulala (all retired), Marc Andreu (La Rochelle), Viliamu Afatia (Bordeaux-Begles), Albert Vulivuli (Vannes), Matt Worley (Northampton Saints), So’otala Fa’aso’o (Brive)

Stade Francais

In: Kylan Hamdaoui, Alex Arrate (both Biarritz), Lester Etien (Massy), Stephane Clement (Lyon), Tala Gray, Yoann Maestri, Gael Fickou (all Toulouse), Malietoa Hingano (Clermont Auvernge), Nicolas Sanchez (Jaguares), Piet van Zyl (London Irish), Atunaisa Manu (Viadana)

Out: Brandon Nansen (Dragons), Meyer Bosman (retired), Steevy Cerqueira (Brive), Sakaria Taulafo (Ceret), Zurab Zhvania (Wasps), Maxime Gau (Massy), Marvin Woki (Montauban), Bakary Meite (Carcassonne)

Toulon

In: Filipo Nakosi (Agen), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Sebastien Taofifenua (Bordeaux-Begles), Liam Messam (Chiefs), Stephane Onambele (Colomiers), Jacques Potgieter (Munakata Sanix Blues), Daniel Ikpefan (Oyonnax), Julian Savea (Hurricanes)

Out: Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Jocelino Suta, Vincent Clerc, Bryan Habana, Sebastien Tillous-Borde (all retired), Edoardo Padovani (Zebre), Semi Radradra, Laurent Delboulbes (both Bordeaux-Begles), Jonathan Wisniewski (Lyon), Levan Chilachava (Montpellier), Duane Vermeulen (Kubota Spears), Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks), Samu Manoa (Cardiff Blues), Ma’a Nonu (released)

Toulouse

In: Pierre Fouyssac (Agen), Albin Placine (Biarritz), Jerome Kaino (Blues), Pita Ahki (Connacht), Theo Belan (Lyon), Pierre Gayraud (Bordeaux-Begles), Maxime Mermoz (Newcastle Falcons), Pierre Pages (Blagnac)

Out: Yann David (Castres), Jean-Marc Doussain (Lyon), Tala Gray, Yoann Maestri, Gael Fickou (all Stade Francais), Wandile Mjekevu (Perpignan), Florian Fritz, David Roumieu (both retired)

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Check out which players have come and gone at the 12 Premiership clubs ahead of the upcoming season.

Bath

In: Jackson Willison (Worcester Warriors), Lucas Noguera Paz (Jaguares), Victor Delmas (Colomiers), Darren Atkins (Academy), Ruaridh McConnochie (England Sevens), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Will Chudley (Exeter Chiefs), Guy Mercer (Ospreys), Joe Cokanasiga (London Irish), Alex Davies (Yorkshire Carnegie)

Out: Matt Banahan (Gloucester), Josh Lewis (Dragons), Ben Tapuai (Harlequins), Nick Auterac (Harlequins), James Phillips (Sale Sharks), Nathan Charles (Melbourne Rebels), Rory Jennings (London Scottish), Will Homer (Jersey Reds), Kane Palma-Newport (Colomiers), Shaun Knight (Rouen), James Wilson (Southland), Jeff Williams (released)

Bristol Bears

In: Charles Piutau (Ulster), John Afoa (Gloucester), Shaun Malton (Exeter Chiefs), Nic Stirzaker (Melbourne Rebels), Yann Thomas (Rouen), Aly Muldowney (Grenoble), Tiff Eden (Nottingham), Harry Thacker (Leicester Tigers), Jake Heenan (Connacht), Jordan Lay (Edinburgh), Ollie Dawe (Academy), Tom Lindsay (Bedford Blues), Jake Armstrong (Jersey Reds), Jake Woolmore (Jersey Reds), Tom Pincus (Jersey Reds), Lewis Thiede (Ealing Trailfinders), Piers O’Conor (Ealing Trailfinders), Luke Daniels (Ealing Trailfinders), Harry Randall (Gloucester), Ed Holmes (Exeter Chiefs), James Lay (Bay of Plenty), George Smith (Reds)

Out: Jordan Williams (Dragons), Rhodri Williams (Dragons), Olly Robinson (Cardiff Blues), Max Crumpton (Harlequins), Ryan Bevington (Dragons), David Lemi (Chanlon), Jack O’Connell (Ealing Trailfinders), Tyler Gendall (Cornish Pirates), Billy Searle (Wasps), Soane Tonga’uiha (Ampthill), Giorgi Nemsadze (Ospreys), Gaston Cortes (Leicester Tigers), Jack Wallace (Richmond), Dan Tuohy (Vannes), Jordan Liney (Hartpury College), Ross McMillan (released), Jason Harris-Wright (released), Thretton Palamo (released), Alex Giltrow (released), Ryan Glynn (released), Ben Gompels (released)

Exeter Chiefs

In: Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Santiago Cordero (Jaguares)

Out: Kai Horstmann (retired), Shaun Malton (Bristol Bears), Thomas Waldrom (Wellington Lions), Will Chudley (Bath), Ed Holmes (Bristol Bears), Julian Salvi (retired), Carl Rimmer (retired)

Gloucester

In: Matt Banahan (Bath), Franco Marais (Sharks), Jaco Kriel (Lions), Danny Cipriani (Wasps), Tom Hudson (Academy), Gerbrandt Grobler (Munster), Will Safe (Academy), Franco Mostert (Lions), Ruan Dreyer (Lions), Todd Gleave (London Irish)

Out: Ross Moriarty (Dragons), Richard Hibbard (Dragons), John Afoa (Bristol Bears), Matt Scott (Edinburgh), Cameron Orr (Western Force), Andy Symons (Northampton Saints), Tom Denton (Ealing Trailfinders), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears), David Halaifonua (Coventry), Charlie Beckett (Jersey Reds), Jeremy Thrush (Western Force), Ed Bogue (Cinderford), Motu Matu’u (London Irish), Elliott Creed (Doncaster Knights), Billy Burns (Ulster), Jacob Rowan (released), Alfie North (released), Carwyn Penny (released), Mason Tonks (released)

Harlequins

In: Marcus Smith (Academy), Nathan Earle (Saracens), Max Crumpton (Bristol Bears), Alex Dombrandt (Cardiff Metropolitan University), Ben Tapuai (Bath), Nick Auterac (Bath), Matt Symons (Wasps)

Out: Jamie Roberts (Bath), Winston Stanley (retired), Adam Jones (retired), Harry Sloan (Ealing Trailfinders), Sam Aspland-Robinson (Leicester Tigers), Charlie Matthews (Wasps), Cameron Holenstein (Jersey Reds), Sam Twomey (London Irish)

Leicester Tigers

In: Guy Thompson (Wasps), Will Spencer (Worcester Warriors), David Denton (Worcester Warriors), James Voss (Jersey Reds), Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins), Jimmy Stevens (Nottingham), Gaston Cortes (Bristol Bears)

Out: Harry Thacker (Bristol Bears), Dominic Barrow (Northampton Saints), Ben Betts (Ealing Trailfinders), Logovi’i Mulipola (Newcastle Falcons), George McGuigan (Newcastle Falcons), Joe Maksymiw (Connacht), Nick Malouf (Australia Sevens), George Catchpole (retired), Michele Rizzo (Petrarca), Luke Hamilton (Edinburgh), Pat Cilliers (London Irish)

Newcastle Falcons

In: Guy Graham (Hawick), Tom Arscott (Rouen), Logovi’i Mulipola (Leicester Tigers), George McGuigan (Leicester Tigers), Johnny Williams (London Irish), Connor Collett (North Harbour), Josh Basham (London Irish), Nemani Nagusa (Aurillac)

Out: Juan Pablo Socino (Edinburgh), Harrison Orr (Western Force), DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors), Belisario Agulla (Hindu Club), Craig Willis (Ealing Trailfinders), Jake Ilnicki (Yorkshire Carnegie), Rob Vickers (retired), Ally Hogg (retired), Scott Lawson (retired), Nick Civetta (Doncaster Knights), Maxime Mermoz (Toulouse), Nili Latu (Hino Red Dolphins), Evan Olmstead (Auckland)

Northampton

In: Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs), Will Davis (Ealing Trailfinders), Ben Franks (London Irish), Dominic Barrow (Leicester Tigers), Andy Symons (Gloucester), James Haskell (Wasps), Matt Worley (Racing 92), Charlie Davies (Dragons), Andrew Kellaway (Waratahs)

Out: Sam Dickinson (Ealing Trailfinders), Jordan Onojaife (Ealing Trailfinders), Nic Groom (Lions), Charlie Clare (Bedford Blues), Matt Beesley (Ealing Trailfinders), Christian Day (retired), Rob Horne (retired), George North (Ospreys), Campese Ma’afu (Ealing Trailfinders), Ben Nutley (Coventry), Stephen Myler (London Irish), Tom Stephenson (London Irish), Kieran Brookes (Wasps), Tom Kessell (Coventry), Juan Pablo Estelles (Atlético del Rosario), Ben Foden (released), Jamie Elliott (released), Michael Paterson (released)

Sale Sharks

In: Joe Jones (Perpignan), James Phillips (Bath), Rohan Janse van Rensburg (Lions), Chris Ashton (Toulon)

Out: David Seymour (retired), Mike Haley (Munster), Josh Charnley (Warrington Wolves), Will Addison (Ulster), Halani Aulika (Grenoble)

Saracens

In: Alex Lewington (London Irish), David Strettle (Clermont), Tom Woolstencroft (London Irish)

Out: Schalk Brits (retired), Nathan Earle (Harlequins), Chris Wyles (retired), Kieran Longbottom (Western Force), Danny Cutmore (Cornish Pirates), Mark Flanagan (Bedford Blues), Matt Hankin (retired), Mike Ellery (England Sevens)

Wasps

In: Brad Shields (Hurricanes), Lima Sopoaga (Highlanders), Joe Atkinson (London Scottish), Ross Neal (London Scottish), Michael Le Bourgeois (Bedford Blues), Ben Morris (Nottingham), Billy Searle (Bristol Bears), Ambrose Curtis (Manawatu), Charlie Matthews (Harlequins), Tom West (Academy), Will Stuart (Academy), Nizaam Carr (Stormers), Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints), Zurab Zhvania (Stade Francais)

Out: Marty Moore (Ulster), Guy Thompson (Leicester Tigers), Sam Jones (retired), Guy Armitage (Ealing Trailfinders), Will Owen (Nottingham), Danny Cipriani (Gloucester), James Haskell (Northampton Saints), Matt Symons (Harlequins), Alex Lundberg (Ealing Trailfinders), Paul Doran-Jones (released), Kyle Eastmond (released), Brendan Macken (released)

Worcester Warriors

In: Callum Black (Ulster), Ashley Beck (Ospreys), Cornell du Preez (Edinburgh), Michael Heaney (Doncaster Knights), Isaac Miller (London Scottish), Scott van Breda (Jersey Reds), Jono Lance (Reds), Francois Venter (Cheetahs), Michael Fatialofa (Hurricanes), Duncan Weir (Edinburgh), Farai Mudariki (Tarbes), Justin Clegg (Academy), Zac Xiourouppa (Academy)

Out: Donncha O’Callaghan (retired), Huw Taylor (Dragons), Jackson Willison (Bath), Will Spencer (Leicester Tigers), David Denton (Leicester Tigers), Sam Olver (Ealing Trailfinders), Andrew Durutalo (Ealing Trailfinders), Biyi Alo (Angoulême), Michael Dowsett (Canon Eagles), Ben Howard (England Sevens), Kurt Haupt (SWD Eagles), Grayson Hart (London Scottish), Max Stelling (Hino Red Dolphins), Peter Stringer (retired), Tom Heathcote (released)

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With Super Rugby reaching the Qualifiers, we take a look at the best bets from the three games which take place on Saturday.

Crusaders v Sharks

On paper, this seems like it should be a comfortable victory for the hosts. They are the defending champions, have won their past 12 games and are favourites to retain the title after finishing top of the Super Rugby standings.

The record of South African teams in play-off games in New Zealand sides also makes for ominous reading with them yet to triumph in 13 attempts. It should go out to 14, particularly with the bookmakers giving odds of 1/20 (bet365, Betfred and BoyleSports) for Scott Robertson’s men to claim the win, but the Sharks do have the physicality to challenge the Christchurch-based outfit.

While the All Blacks and their franchises are renowned for their tempo and skill set, the Crusaders also have the best front five in the competition. It is effectively an international forward eight with Scott Barrett in particularly outstanding form but, in Thomas du Toit, Akker van der Merwe and Tendai Mtawarira, the Durban team do have a front-row which could cause problems for the hosts.

An injury to Jean-Luc du Preez is a loss in the back-row but they have plenty of power throughout the XV and have performed well against New Zealand teams this season. It may not be enough, with them 9/1 at various companies to cause an upset, but it could be closer than most reckon and they are 5/4 (Ladbrokes and Coral) on a +17 handicap.

Waratahs v Highlanders

Unlike the opening game on Saturday, the next two are much more difficult to call with the Waratahs looking to finally bring some joy to Australian rugby. They face, on paper at least, the weakest of the remaining New Zealand teams, with the Highlanders finishing in fourth place in their conference.

That means little according to the bookies, however, with Aaron Mauger’s men still seen as favourites going into this encounter. They were able to rest a number of star players in the final match of the regular-season and the likes of Luke Whitelock, Rob Thompson and Aaron and Ben Smith return to the XV.

As a result, 888sport have the visitors down at 11/17 to secure their place in the semi-finals, while the Waratahs are 13/10 outsiders with bet365 and Black Type to claim the victory. It is slightly surprising after the Waratahs’ dominant 41-12 triumph over the Dunedin-based franchise earlier in the campaign. Although that result came after the visitors had been reduced to 14 men following Tevita Nabura’s red card, Daryl Gibson’s side were already in control before that incident

The absence of Michael Hooper is a blow for the Australians, though, and it could prove decisive on Saturday, but we think that backing the Waratahs is the more prudent option.

Lions v Jaguares

The last match of the Qualifiers sees an all-South African Conference affair as the seventh place Jaguares travel to Johannesburg to take on the Lions – finalists from the last two years.

If their form from 2016 and ‘17 is anything to go by, this should be a comfortable victory for the hosts, but they have struggled to find that dominance during the 2018 season. Saturday’s opponents were in contention for top spot in the division before Swys de Bruin’s men finished the campaign strongly to claim second in the overall standings and a home quarter.

With the advantage of playing at Ellis Park, the bookmakers think that De Bruin’s charges will make it to a third consecutive semi-final, with bet365, Betfair and Paddy Power all having them down at 3/10, but the Argentines are a dangerous proposition this year.

Under Mario Ledesma they have impressed and should challenge the hosts, despite having to play the match at altitude. They like to play expansively and, at 3/1 with Marathonbet and Black Type, the Jags are worth backing.

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The Lions will play in the Super Rugby semi-finals for the third successive year after defeating the Jaguares 40-23 in Johannesburg on Saturday.

A pair of Nicolas Sanchez penalties had given the Argentinians an early 6-0 buffer, but Swys de Bruin’s outfit soon showed why they have reached the showpiece event over the past two seasons and responded with 24 unanswered points. Ruan Combrinck, Harold Vorster and Malcolm Marx all crossed the whitewash to open up a seemingly comfortable 24-6 advantage.

The Jags were evidently stunned but they re-found their form towards the end of the half and reduced the arrears via the boot of Sanchez. They then touched down twice in the opening 10 minutes of the second period via Bautista Delguy and Pablo Matera.

An Elton Jantjies three-pointer was sandwiched in between those scores before Andries Coetzee’s try effectively completed the win before it was rubberstamped by the fly-half, who added six more points from the tee.

Mario Ledesma’s men were the Lions’ closest challengers during the regular season and they showed their quality early on, but the hosts’ experience eventually told.

The Jaguares began brightly, putting the home side under pressure and earning two penalty opportunities, which Sanchez converted for a 6-0 lead.

Back came De Bruin’s outfit, however, dominating the scrum battle and placing the visiting forwards under significant duress. Their fly-half then spotted space on the outside and produced an inch-perfect cross-field kick for Combrinck to collect and finish in the right-hand corner.

Jantjies converted and then added a second from the tee when the kicking game once again played havoc with the opposition defence. Delguy failed to gather Aphiwe Dyantyi’s grubber through and Vorster was on hand to pick up and touch down unopposed.

Having started on the front foot, the Argentinians were now regularly being sent into reverse gear, but they were not helping themselves. Ledesma’s charges continued to make mistakes and one such error saw Marx intercept a stray Gonzalo Bertranou pass and cross the whitewash for the third try.

The Jaguares did regain their composure with Sanchez scoring another three-pointer just shy of the interval before they got themselves back into the contest at the start of the second period. It came from a well-constructed effort as good hands provided Delguy with some space to work and the wing brilliantly rounded the final defender to finish.

Jantjies kept the visitors at arm’s length from the tee but the Jags refused to yield and Matera powered over to take them to within four points of the hosts.

De Bruin’s side displayed all their experience, however, and retained possession impressively. Replacement Marnus Schoeman carried well and Coetzee was the one to benefit from the back-row’s efforts, crossing the line by the left-hand upright.

Although the visitors attempted to get back into the contest, the Lions’ defence was too strong and Jantjies sealed their progress into the last four with a drop-goal and penalty.

The scorers:

For Lions:
Tries: Combrinck, Vorster, Marx, Coetzee
Cons: Jantjies 4
Pens: Jantjies 3
Drop-goal: Jantjies

For Jaguares:
Tries: Delguy, Matera
Cons: Sanchez 2
Pens: Sanchez 3

Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Ross Cronjé, 8 Warren Whiteley (c), 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Marvin Orie, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Jacques van Rooyen
Replacements: 16 Corne Fourie, 17 Dylan Smith, 18 Johannes Jonker, 19 Lourens Erasmus, 20 Marnus Schoeman, 21 Dillon Smit, 22 Courtnall Skosan, 23 Howard Mnisi

Jaguares: 15 Emiliano Boffelli, 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Matias Orlando, 12 Jeronimo de le Fuente, 11 Matias Moroni, 10 Nicolas Sanchez, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 8 Javier Ortega Desio, 7 Tomas Lezana, 6 Pablo Matera (c), 5 Marcos Kremer, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 2 Agustin Creevy, 1 Santiago Garcia Botta
Replacements: 16 Julian Montoya, 17 Juan Pablo Zeiss, 18 Santiago Medrano, 19 Matias Alemanno, 20 Tomas Lavanini, 21 Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 22 Martin Landajo, 23 Sebastian Cancelliere

Date: Saturday, July 21
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 15:05 local (14:05 BST, 13:05 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Referees: Marius van der Westhuizen, Egon Seconds
TMO: Marius Jonker

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The Waratahs claimed a dramatic 30-23 come-from-behind victory over the Highlanders in a thrilling Super Rugby quarter-final at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Saturday.

The Highlanders led 23-6 at half-time, having controlled the opening period, but the Waratahs stormed back in the second half, scoring three tries of their own and keeping the visitors scoreless to complete a remarkable turnaround.

The Sydneysiders had their old-timers Kurtley Beale and Israel Folau to thank for being the main instigators in their comeback as they sparked the Waratahs in to life with their tries coming from Folau and Bernard Foley (2).

The Highlanders scored in the first-half through Waisake Naholo and Rob Thompson, but were thwarted in the second by some brilliant Tahs’ defence.

The hosts got the scoring underway. Foley struck his penalty between the uprights after James Lentjes was penalised for offside but Lima Sopoaga responded for the visitors with ‘Tahs lock Jed Holloway the guilty party for not rolling away.

Foley restored the lead for the hosts when Thompson was penalised for not releasing after brilliant work from Michael Wells to get his hands over the ball and affect the turnover.

But soon after the Highlanders would score the game’s first try when Curtis Rona rushed out of the line and Sopoaga exposed the poor read in defence by the hosts, breaking the line and playing a long pass out for Naholo to show blistering speed in his run to the line. Sopoaga added the extras for a 10-6 lead.

Sopoaga extended the lead to 13-6 when excellent defensive pressure left Folau isolated at the breakdown and he conceded the penalty on the 22 right in front of his posts.

The Highlanders were winning the battle at the breakdown and effecting numerous turnover penalties. After soaking up a period of pressure and forcing the hosts to concede yet another penalty for holding on, the ball was kicked for the corner. Then followed an excellent backline move in which Teihorangi Walden got the offload away for Thompson, who had run an excellent support line, to coast in under the posts. Sopoaga’s conversion gave his side a 20-6 lead.

The Highlanders pivot slotted another penalty in the 34th minute after the Waratahs were penalised for not scrummaging straight as the hosts took a 23-6 lead into the interval.

The Waratahs received a boost shortly after the interval when Naholo saw yellow for two high tackles in quick succession on prop Sekope Kepu and the home side ruthlessly capitalised on their numerical advantage, scoring three quick tries in the space of six minutes to complete an amazing turnaround.

First, Kurtley Beale found Foley with a lovely short, inside ball from first receiver with the Waratahs now trailing 13-23 with 25 minutes to go.

Then, scrum-half Nick Phipps pounced on a loose ball after the ‘Tahs did well to disrupt a Highlanders lineout. Beale then turned creator once again, making the tackle bust in midfield before unleashing Folau, who showed his gas with the finish. Foley added the extras to bring the home side to within just three points.

And on the 60-minute mark, the comeback was complete as Folau did brilliantly once again, this time going on a 60-yard run before the ball went through the hands as Foley eventually grabbed his brace.

The Waratahs went 30-23 ahead with another Foley penalty but were then reduced to 14 men for the rest of the game when replacement Paddy Ryan was yellow-carded for cynically preventing a try, which gave the Highlanders another bite at the cherry with a five-metre scrum.

Amazingly, the Waratahs managed to hold on for a dramatic come-from-behind victory.

The scorers:

For Waratahs:
Tries: Foley 2, Folau
Cons: Foley 3
Pens: Foley 3
Yellow Card: Ryan

For Highlanders:
Tries: Naholo, Thompson
Cons: Sopoaga 2
Pens: Sopoaga 3
Yellow Card: Naholo

The teams:

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

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (cc), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon (cc), 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Kalolo Tuiloma, 19 Shannon Frizell, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Matt Faddes

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)

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