Tag: Rugby

Ahead of the 2018 Rugby Championship, we preview each of the four teams who are battling for the much-coveted silverware.

Argentina

Australia

South Africa

New Zealand

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Your one-stop spot for all the Currie Cup starting line-ups as they come out.

Friday

Pumas v Griquas

Pumas: 15 Gerrit Smith, 14 JP Lewis, 13 Ryan Nell, 12 Hennie Skorbinski (captain), 11 Neil Maritz, 10 Christopher Smith, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Willie Engelbrecht, 7 Stefan Willemse, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Cameron Lindsay, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Marné Coetzee, 2 Simon Westraadt, 1 Kwezi Mona
Replacements: 16 Frankie Herne, 17 Andrew Beerwinkel, 18 Hugo Kloppers, 19 Jeandré Rudolph, 20 Reynier van Rooyen, 21 Justin van Staden, 22 Trompie Pretorius

Griquas: 15 AJ Coertzen, 14 Ederies Arendse, 13 Kyle Steyn (captain), 12 Christopher Bosch, 11, Godfrey Ramaboea, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Christiaan Meyer, 8 Conway Pretorius, 7 Sias Koen, 6 Wendal Wehr, 5 FP Pelser, 4 Sintu Manjezi, 3 Nicolaas Oosthuizen, 2 Khwezi Mkhafu, 1 Devon Martinus
Replacements: 16 AJ Le Roux, 17 Liam Hendricks, 18 Ruan Kramer, 19 Pieter Van Vuren, 20 Izak Burger, 21 Jonathan Janse van Rensburg, 22 Andre Swarts

Free State Cheetahs v Blue Bulls

Free State Cheetahs: 15 Malcom Jaer, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Nico Lee, 11 William Small-Smith, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Rudy Paige, 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Oupa Mohoje (c), 6 Junior Pokomela, 5 JP du Preez, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Luan de Bruin, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Erich de Jager, 18 Gunther Janse van Vuuren, 19 Dennis Visser, 20 Gerhard Olivier, 21 Shaun Venter, 22 Louis Fouche

Bulls: 15 Divan Rossouw, 14 Jade Stighling, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 JT Jackson, 11 Jamba Ulengo, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Hanro Liebenberg (c), 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Ruan Steenkamp, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Conrad van Vuuren, 2 Edgar Marutlulle, 1 Matthys Basson
Replacements: 16 Jan-Henning Campher, 17 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 18 Hendre Stassen, 19 Jano Venter, 20 Theo Maree, 21 Tony Jantjies, 22 Earll Douwrie

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Scrum-half Rudy Paige and fly-half Tian Schoeman will run out against their old side when they start for the Cheetahs against the Blue Bulls in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Oupa Mohoje will lead a side that includes a number of players making their Cheetahs bows, while Jacques du Toit will be making his 50th appearance for the club if he comes on to the field as replacement hooker.

Dan Human will oversee Free State’s Currie Cup team, while director of rugby Franco Smith will coach the PRO14 team.

Free State Cheetahs: 15 Malcom Jaer, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Nico Lee, 11 William Small-Smith, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Rudy Paige, 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Oupa Mohoje (c), 6 Junior Pokomela, 5 JP du Preez, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Luan de Bruin, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Erich de Jager, 18 Gunther Janse van Vuuren, 19 Dennis Visser, 20 Gerhard Olivier, 21 Shaun Venter, 22 Louis Fouche

Date: Friday, August 17
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 19:00 (18:00 BST, 17:00 GMT)
Referee: Dan Jones (Wales)
Assistant Referees: Ben Crouse, Jaco Kotze
TMO: Lourens van der Merwe

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Justin Tipuric will lead the Ospreys this season after he was confirmed as the region’s new skipper to take over from Alun Wyn Jones after eight years.

Jones had held the post since August 2010, making a record 115 appearances as captain – more than double the number of any other Ospreys captain.

Since making his Ospreys debut in November 2009 as a second half replacement in a Liberty Stadium Anglo-Welsh tie against Northampton Saints, Tipuric has gone on to make 155 regional appearances, his tally of 25 tries the highest by an Ospreys forward.

Capped 57 times by Wales and a double Six Nations champion, including two appearances in the 2012 Grand Slam success, the openside from Trebanos has also been on the last two British & Irish Lions tours, making one Test appearance.

Although only confirmed as skipper today, Tipuric has a wealth of leadership experience having already led the side 27 times across the last seven years, since he became the second youngest ever Ospreys captain in January 2011, aged 21, when the Ospreys faced Leinster in Dublin in the Magners League.

Speaking about the appointment, Ospreys Head Coach, Allen Clarke, said:

“Alun Wyn is a proud Osprey who has led the team with great honour from the front since 2010 both as a player and as an ambassador. In Justin we have another world-class player who leads by example on and off the field.

“It’s important to remember that Al is still a major player and significant leader within our environment, but having discussed the position with him it was clear he believed the time was right for the Ospreys to have a fresh voice as a captain. An Osprey through and through, Justin is the right man for the job.

“A deep student of the game Tips has a wonderful understanding of rugby, with a steely determination and skill set to match. He epitomises the past and what we aspire to be again. I’ve no doubt he will receive the full backing of players, staff and supporters alike.

“We are fortunate to have a number of players in the environment who are leaders and captains. As well as Alun Wyn, who remains Wales captain, Dan Lydiate, Bradley Davies and Scott Williams have all captained their country, and Giorgi Nemsadze is the captain of Georgia, so Justin has plenty of experience to support him throughout this season and beyond.”

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England and Gloucester fly-half Danny Cipriani has been fined £2000 after pleading guilty to common assault and resisting arrest.

The pivot was arrested after a nightclub incident in Jersey in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

He appeared at Jersey Magistrates Court on Thursday and was fined £2000 and ordered to pay £250 in compensation to the police officer he bruised.

Cipriani had two other charges – larceny and acting disorderly on licensed premises – dropped.

Following the verdict, the fly-half tweeted to apologise and give an account of what happened on Wednesday.

pic.twitter.com/hJ9G87PHY5

— Danny Cipriani (@DannyCipriani87) August 16, 2018

Gloucester CEO Stephen Vaughan added: “We are very proud of the culture we have within the group and the stated values which we strive to deliver against. Incidents of this nature are very disappointing to be associated with, and we will deal with it in a robust but balanced way but based purely on the facts.

“As a high profile sportsperson there is often a large degree of public and media scrutiny involved, which Danny is well aware of.

“The incident in question was over in a matter of seconds and was a reaction to the conduct of other parties involved.

“He knows his responsibilities and is aware of the impact of this type of incident on the club. However, Danny is a Gloucester Rugby player and will receive our full support as we focus on the exciting season ahead.”

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Waratahs loosehead prop Tom Robertson has been elevated into a surprise starting spot for Australia’s clash with New Zealand in Sydney on Saturday.

This, after first-choice front-row Scott Sio was ruled out with injury.

Robertson, who came off the bench in June, will make just his third Test start in the Bledisloe opener after Sio’s withdrawal over a shoulder complaint.

Though the Wallabies said at the start of the week Sio had been cleared to play, he has been unable to shake off a shoulder issue that he aggravated in the side’s recent trial.

Allan Alaalatoa comes onto the bench for the Wallabies after missing the June Series with an injury of his own.

Robertson’s is the only real surprise in the starting team, with Reece Hodge taking the outside centre position after injuries to Tevita Kuridrani and Samu Kerevi.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika had no qualms about bringing hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau into the starting spot in his first Test of 2018.

He will be backed up by Tolu Latu, with incumbent Brandon Paenga-Amosa out of the side completely.

Michael Hooper will play his first match since June, named at openside after almost two months out with a hamstring injury.

Rookie utility back Jack Maddocks pipped Tom Banks for the final bench spot, putting him in line for his Test debut.

Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Will Genia, 8 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Lukhan Tui, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Tom Robertson
Replacements: 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Allan Alaalatoa, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Matt Toomua, 23 Jack Maddocks

Date: Saturday, August 18
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 19:45 local (10:45 BST, 09:45 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Luke Pearce (England)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

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Jack Goodhue and Waisake Naholo will start for the All Blacks when they take on the Wallabies in their Rugby Championship opener in Sydney on Saturday.

It will be just a second cap for Goodhue, who started in the third Test against France in the June internationals. Meanwhile, Naholo lines up on the right wing, with Nehe Milner-Skudder a recent withdrawal from the squad.

Otherwise, it is business as usual with Kieran Read captaining a side that boasts plenty of experience. Ben Smith is at full-back, with Rieko Ioane on the opposite wing to Ioane. Goodhue partners Ryan Crotty in midfield, while Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith form the halfback combination.

Liam Squire is at blindside with Sam Cane at openside and Kieran Read at number eight. Sam Whitelock is reunited with Brodie Retallick in the second row, while Owen Franks, Joe Moody and Cody Taylor make up the front row.

New Zealand: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Ofa Tuungafasi, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown

Date: Saturday, August 18
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 19:45 local (09:45 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Luke Pearce (England)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

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It’s that time again for our Video of the Week, bringing you standout footage you may enjoy. Today we look back at last year’s Bledisloe Cup.

Although the All Blacks had already secured the cup, this battle between the trans-Tasman rivals in Brisbane was a thrilling affair which the Wallabies eventually won by a narrow margin.

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Amanaki Lelei Mafi has been suspended by the Japan Top League side NTT Communications Shining Arcs until a verdict is reached in his assault case.

Mafi faces charges of assault for attacking Rebels team-mate Lopeti Timani after the Melbourne side’s 43-37 defeat to the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Timani is alleged to have made a derogatory comment about a member of Mafi’s family. Both players were fined 15,000 Australian dollars each.

Mafi is currently out on bail in Japan and was unable to attend Thursday’s hearing in Dunedin District Court.

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Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, Francois Louw and Warren Whiteley have been included in the Springbok team to face Argentina on Saturday.

All four forwards will make their first appearance this year for the Springboks after missing the June internationals with injury.

Furthermore, two uncapped players, Damian Willemse (utility back) and Marco van Staden (loose forward), were included amongst the replacements and are set to make their Test debuts off the bench at Kings Park.

Whiteley is making his first appearance in a Springbok jersey in more than a year after he suffered a groin injury last June against France.

Hamstring trouble prevented Marx, South Africa’s Rugby Player of the Year in 2017, from playing in any of the four games against Wales and England.

Etzebeth struggled with arm and back troubles but, like Marx and Whiteley, he has now recovered and is ready for Test match rugby.

The Bok forward pack has a changed look as a result of the returning quartet, with Erasmus shuffling his loose forward combination and lock pairing for the important Rugby Championship clash.

Whiteley comes back into the Springbok starting team at number eight, skipper Siya Kolisi moves over to the other side of the scrum into the seven jersey while Louw will start at six in what will be his 58th Test for South Africa.

Etzebeth and his Stormers team-mate Pieter-Steph du Toit are reunited in the Springbok second-row, while the imposing Marx will pack down at hooker between Frans Malherbe and the experienced Tendai Mtawarira, who will run out in his 102nd Test for the Springboks.

In the backline, Makazole Mapimpi will start at right wing in the place of the injured Sbu Nkosi, with André Esterhuizen partnering his Sharks team mate Lukhanyo Am in the midfield.

Erasmus insisted that he was pleased with the return to Springbok action of Whiteley, Louw, Etzebeth and Marx.

“Our forward depth is very good indeed and the competition for places in the team is healthy, which can only be a good thing for us as we continue to build the depth of our squad,” he said.

South Africa’s director of rugby added that he is expecting a very tough contest from the Pumas and reiterated the Argentineans will be energised by the appointment of Mario Ledesma as their new head coach.

“Their new coach comes with a lot of technical knowledge and experience from his previous coaching roles which is sure to add more firepower to their traditional strengths,” Erasmus said.

“They will be very confident as a result of the Jaguares’ great run on tour in Australasia, where they won all four their matches on the road, as well as their winning performances against our own franchises.”

South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Makazole Mapimpi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Siya Kolisi (c), 6 Francois Louw, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Lionel Mapoe, 23 Damian Willemse

Date: Saturday, August 18
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17:05 local (16:05 BST, 15:05 GMT)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Andrew Brace (Ireland)
TMO: Simon McDowell (Ireland)

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