Tag: Rugby

The Sharks opened their Currie Cup campaign on a positive note with a 26-10 victory over the Blue Bulls at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.

Tries from Juan Schoeman, Kobus van Wyk, Aphelele Fassi and Curwin Bosch proved too much for the visitors who scored through Jesse Kriel’s converted try and a Manie Libbok penalty.

With more experience and no less than six Springboks in the side, the Sharks had too much firepower for the men from Pretoria on the day.

The first try came from a Sharks’ five-metre attacking scrum after Jamba Ulengo had knocked on chasing back to retrieve Bosch’s kick and chase. From the resulting set-piece, the ball was taken through a couple of phases before Schoeman powered over from close range. Robert du Preez added the extras for a 7-0 lead on six minutes.

The Bulls began to assert their dominance on the tie and hit back through a try in the 15th minute. After superb interplay between backs and forwards, Thembelani Bholi sent a looping pass over the top for Ulengo on the overlap, who was halted inches short. The ball was quickly recycled to Kriel, who showed good strength to muscle his way over.

However, six minutess later the home side would regain the lead from a move that started from a turnover on their own try-line. Louis Schreuder made the clean break and just when it looked as if he had run out of options, he swivelled and found the onrushing Bosch, who showed excellent turn of pace to scythe through and under the posts for a scintillating team try.

Great hands by the Sharks backs saw Van Wyk released down the right-hand flank before the winger stepped inside Andre Warner and Ulengo to complete a clinical finish. Du Preez slotted the conversion to take the home side out to a 21-10 lead as the sides headed into the interval.

Soon after, a Wright up and under again bamboozled the Bulls defence, with replacement winger Fassi pouncing on the loose ball and tearing away over the whitewash, scoring with his first touch of the ball as the hosts extended their lead to 26-10 with 15 minutes to go.

Despite having more opportunities to make the scoreline more flattering, the Sharks were unable to extend their lead as no further points were scored in the last quarter of an hour.

The scorers:

For Sharks:
Tries: Schoeman, Bosch, Van Wyk, Fassi
Cons: Du Preez 3

For Blue Bulls:
Try: Kriel
Con: Libbok
Pen: Libbok

Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Tyler Paul, 6 Wian Vosloo, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Gideon Koegelenberg, 3 John-Hubert Meyer, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle (c), 1 Juan Schoeman
Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Khutha Mchunu, 18 Andrew Evans, 19 Lubabalo Mtembu, 20 Cameron Wright, 21 Johan Deysel, 22 Aphelele Fassi

Blue Bulls: 15 Divan Rossouw, 14 Jade Stighling, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Johnny Kotze, 11 Jamba Ulengo, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Hanro Liebenberg (c), 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Ruan Steenkamp, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Hendre Stassen, 3 Conrad van Vuuren, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Matthys Basson
Replacements: 16 Edgar Marutlulle, 17 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 18 Eli Snyman, 19 Jano Venter, 20 Raegan Orange, 21 Tony Jantjies, 22 JT Jackson

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant referees: Archie Sehlako, Vusi Msibi
TMO: Christie du Preez

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Wallabies coach Michael Cheika bemoaned the amount of turnovers his side conceded in their 40-12 defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday.

All four of Beauden Barrett’s tries came from turnover ball and broken field play, with the All Blacks exploiting the tired legs of the Wallabies from deep once the game had opened up.

“The same areas killed us, that’s turnovers. Last week it was turnovers … that killed us and it was the same again tonight,” Cheika told Reuters.

“When we do cough the ball up we do know they will come with it and you have to get up, work extra hard and get the ball back otherwise they will hurt you.

“The rest of the game we worked our butts off and it was those five or six key moments on turnover that really cost us.”

Meanwhile, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believed his side’s ability to play the situation was crucial to their success.

“They play what is in front of them and we try to drum that into them,” Hansen said. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s from deep or not.

“If it’s on to run you have to run and we have players that can punish you when they do.”

Hansen admitted he had to be “incredibly pleased” with the result, especially because the Wallabies were an improved outfit this week.

“They (the Wallabies) were better,” Hansen added. “They played particularly well and it took us a lot longer to get on top.

“It was an improvement from last week. We were a lot more accurate in some of the things we were doing. There’s still a lot of room for improvement, but we have to be incredibly pleased.”

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Wallabies back-row David Pocock admits he has concerns for his long-term health after being heavily targeted by the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday.

Pocock’s team-mates may have struggled to make a dent in the impenetrable All Blacks machine but he was immense in the 40-12 Rugby Championship loss at Eden Park.

He led the Wallabies in the tackle count with 18 and was his typical strong self at the breakdown.

New Zealand had set their sights on the star flanker and went to extreme lengths in an effort to curb his impact.

Owen Franks was penalised for a neck roll in the first half and there were several other breakdowns which, if scrutinised, would have justified a penalty as well.

Pocock was so stiff post match that he had to turn his entire body to speak to reporters huddled around him and still had limited movement almost a day after the match.

“As a player, you feel that after games and it’s not something you want to think too much about,” Pocock said when asked about the impact neck rolls would have on his future.

“It’s pretty sore.

“I copped a knock and then a bit of a neck roll.

“It’ll be sore but hopefully it’s nothing serious.”

Unfortunately, it’s not the first time he has been targeted in such dangerous fashion.

“There were a few during Super (Rugby),” said Pocock.

“It’s something the refs said they were going to really look at.

“There’s been some penalties but I haven’t watched tonight’s game.

“The Brumbies put in a few citings… where you try to get someone cited… and none were accepted as meeting the threshold.”

Australia put the issue in front of the citing commissioners in June but opted against doing the same last weekend.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said there was an onus on his team to try and give Pocock some back-up in that space.

“We have in previous games, in the Irish series definitely,” he said.

“He’s there nearly all the time, so he becomes a target and they do whatever they can to get rid of him.

“I think today’s probably not the day to start going out for that type of stuff but for his own – he could hardly move his neck today.

“We need to also go there and give him a bit of support as well when that happens to him, we’ve got to show we’re right behind him.”

Pocock could be heard complaining about the roughhouse treatment through the referee’s microphone throughout the match but post-game he said he had nothing but respect for referee Wayne Barnes.

“The refs are doing their best,” he said.

“I thought Wayne was good tonight.

“He’s a really good communicator, lets both teams know what he’s thinking and you’re able to chat to him.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for him.

“I guess it’s one of those things as a player, you get into those positions and you are a bit vulnerable.”

Neck rolls aside, Pocock cut a deflated figure in Auckland, with the flanker unable to pinpoint one reason for the Wallabies’ second big defeat to the All Blacks in as many weeks.

“There’s zero excuses this week in terms of prep,” he said.

“We’ve had a really solid week of preparation over on Waiheke, no distractions.

“We really put in this week.

“We saw some good stuff in the game but not enough and not enough attention to detail at crucial times.

“You certainly feel the disappointment but you’ve got to get on with it.”

The Wallabies flew back to Australia on Sunday and will have time back in their home states before reconvening next weekend ahead of a September 8 Test against South Africa in Brisbane.

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Click:工作間出租

The Ospreys have announced that Duncan Jones will have an expanded role this season, working alongside head coach Allen Clarke on the senior team scrum, replicating the work he already does as academy skills coach.

Jones, who is an Ospreys legend, already works with the forwards from all the region’s age-grade teams and will now take a hands-on role at the scrum at senior level.

He will work with the team that will represent the region in the new Celtic Cup competition and, alongside Clarke, a forwards specialist himself, with the first team squad.

Former Wales front-row Jones retired from playing at the end of the 2014/15 season having clocked up an incredible 223 appearances for his home region having already played 105 times for Neath RFC. With four Celtic League/PRO12 titles to his name, only two players, Paul James and Alun Wyn Jones have played more times for the Ospreys.

Clarke is happy to have Jones as part of his backroom staff.

“Duncan really impressed me last season, my first year working with him, watching the work he does with the academy,” he said.

“He has huge potential and I see in him the traits needed to be a top class coach, he has real integrity and a thirst for knowledge, along with the ability to deliver a message clearly.

“Everybody knows what he was like as a player, but he isn’t someone who relies on his reputation, he is working hard to be the best coach he can be and is a real asset to the Ospreys in an expanded coaching team that now also includes Shaun Edwards.

“He will work alongside myself and will focus on the scrum, from U16s right through to the senior team, working with players and coaches at all levels of the pathway, to ensure a consistency of message and delivery that can only make us stronger in a key element of the game.

“The scrum was an area where we had decent returns last year but we want to ensure we are even better this season.”

Jones expressed his delight at being asked to take on the additional responsibilities.

“I’m really excited obviously, it’s great to be given the opportunity to be in and around the environment full-time,” he said.

“We are proud of our development from within and this allows me to continue the work I’m doing with the age-grade and academy players, all the way through to the new Celtic Cup and then in and around the senior environment, working with the scrum.”

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Check out the highlights from the Mitre 10 Cup action, starting with Bay of Plenty’s victory over Counties Manukau in Pukekohe.

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With the start of the Gallagher Premiership season less than a week away, Planet Rugby spoke to Bristol Bears number eight Jordan Crane.

Recent history suggests that the joy of promotion to the English Premiership often gives way to the pain of fighting for survival the very next season but, if there is a team which can reverse that trend, it is Pat Lam’s ambitious Bristol squad.

Not since Exeter Chiefs in 2010/11 has the team coming up from the second-tier thrived in the league above. Even money means little should they get it wrong behind the scenes, as the experienced Crane knows all too well.

For a club whose financial power is significant, the Bristolians’ foray back in England’s top-flight in 2016/17 was an unmitigated disaster. And it all began before the season had even started. Recruitment was poor, there was upheaval in the coaching staff following Sean Holley’s departure and the squad was simply not prepared for the rigours of the Premiership.

The play-offs certainly played its part in that. Having dominated the Championship, winning 20 of their 22 matches during the campaign, they still had to go through four more games to secure promotion.

Andy Robinson’s charges did just that and they deservedly took their place at the highest echelon of England’s domestic pyramid, but realistically the Ashton Gate outfit were ill-equipped to compete.

It is something Crane readily admits but the 32-year-old is confident that those mistakes will not be repeated. Time, something that was lacking two years ago, has been handed to them after the abolition of the play-off system and, as a result, they appear far more self-assured.

“With the play-offs, it’s difficult for the team coming up because of recruitment and all that sort of stuff. You end up starting pre-season later so you’re not as prepared,” the number eight told Planet Rugby.

“Last time, we changed defence coach and attack coach so that wasn’t a smooth transition. This year we’ve had the luxury of Pat and Conor (McPhillips) being in all last season so we’ve got that continuity. Hopefully it’s going to give us a good head start on the rest of the teams.”

Following Bristol’s relegation in 2017, Lam came in from Connacht and immediately set about making changes. Of course, the all-singing, all-dancing approach, which was a hallmark of his time at the Irish province, was prevalent but the New Zealander also sought to alter other areas.

Crane said: “It’s just an accountability of players knowing their roles and knowing their responsibilities to the team, that’s one of the big things, and then we’ve worked hard on our culture; what sort of team and what sort of group we want to be.

“Pat’s done that really well. You look at most good teams, they’ve got a good culture, and that’s what we’re trying to build at Bristol. We’re trying to build it with the whole city as well.

“Away from the spotlight, it gave Pat a chance to implement his style and what he wanted from us as a team, and we could embed his culture into the side. It gave us an opportunity, so we are better prepared this time around for the Premiership.

“It’s inevitable that it’s going to be more intense, the physicality’s higher. Pat implemented a role and responsibility and for boys to know their detail, and there’s a real big emphasis on that in the team.

“That will help us to be more accurate as well and give us a better opportunity in terms of staying in games and winning games.”

Lam may have looked at improving the culture but the spending has not stopped, however, with Charles Piutau, John Afoa and George Smith among those to join a squad already boasting significant talent. Steven Luatua, Ian Madigan and Luke Morahan – all international quality players – unsurprisingly dominated in the Championship and Crane has been impressed the players’ attitude.

According to the back-rower, some showed their desire in pre-season by “coming in off their own back”, while the addition of Smith will both add competition and give them an opportunity to learn off a genuine great of the game.

“We’re all looking forward to learning from him,” Crane added. “He’s been one of the best players in the world for a long time so it will be great to learn off him, even us older guys.

“We’ve got quality in the back-row, plenty of competition and, if we’re all competing for spots, it’s only going to make us better as a team. It should be a good year.”

The Premiership is still a difficult beast for all promoted sides to crack but this Bristol outfit are the best placed for several years to not concern themselves with simply battling for survival.

by Colin Newboult

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Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has described his side’s 32-19 Rugby Championship defeat to Argentina in Mendoza on Saturday as embarrassing.

One week after suffering a 34-21 defeat at the hands of the Springboks in Durban, the resurgent Pumas produced a physical performance to snap an 11-match Rugby Championship losing streak in front of an ecstatic crowd at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, following a 27-7 lead at half-time.

Erasmus was brutally honest in his assessment of the Springboks’ poor performance.

“It was embarrassing and not the kind of performance you expect to see from the Springboks,” he said.

“We made only one change to the starting team from last week, when we dominated them. We have to point the fingers to ourselves, firstly as coaches and then as players, and we will have to fix it.”

Erasmus said that travelling to Argentina was definitely not a factor.

“We travelled a day later and in the second half we outplayed them because we were the fresher team,” he added.

“We were playing better rugby in the second half but we just didn’t make use of our opportunities.

“I’m not going to look for positives after a performance like that. We have no excuses, we knew exactly what to expect, we prepared for it but we just didn’t handle it.”

Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi scored his side’s only try in the first half and the Boks delivered a much better performance in the second half.

Lionel Mapoe (replacement wing) scored twice in the right-hand corner after the break for his first tries in the green and gold jersey. Mapoe was an early replacement for Makazole Mapimpi, who suffered a knock to the knee.

Argentina outscored the Springboks by four tries to three, with Nicolas Sanchez instrumental, scoring 17 points courtesy of a try, three conversions, a penalty and a drop goal.

The Springboks return home on Tuesday and the squad will re-assemble on Saturday in Johannesburg, from where they will travel to Brisbane for their next fixture, on September 8 against the Wallabies at the Suncorp Stadium.

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Stade Francais opened their Top 14 season with a bonus-point victory at Perpignan, despite having Sergio Parisse red carded late in the first-half.

Bordeaux-Bègles, Clermont and La Rochelle also won while Lyon and Toulouse drew their opener before Racing 92 won the late game against Toulon.

Results

Saturday
Perpignan 15-46 Stade Francais
Bordeaux-Bègles 41-19 Pau
Clermont Auvergne 67-23 Agen
La Rochelle 28-21 Grenoble
Lyon 16-16 Toulouse
Toulon 9-25 Racing 92

Perpignan 15-46 Stade Francais
Stade Aime Giral

Stade Francais began their Top 14 campaign with a 46-15 win over newly promoted Perpignan.

Leading 29-3 at half-time thanks to an impressive 40 minutes that saw flank Sekou Macalou (2), full-back Kylan Hamdaoui and centre Waisea Nayacalevu cross, Stade were in excellent form early on.

However, a red card for Sergio Parisse on 36 minutes for leading with the elbow in contact offered USAP a possible route back into the game.

New signing Paddy Jackson did cross wide out on 53 minutes and when Perpignan were awarded a penalty try after a strong scrum on the hour mark, they were just 29-15 adrift of the Parisians.

But Stade responded well with scores from Hamdaoui and Piet van Zyl putting the result beyond doubt, as they kick-off with a maximum.

The scorers:

For Perpignan:
Tries: Jackson, Penalty try
Pen: Jackson

For Stade Francais:
Tries: Macalou 2, Hamdaoui 2, Nayacalevu, Van Zyl
Cons: Steyn 5
Pens: Steyn, Plisson

Perpignan: 15 Julien Farnoux, 14 Jonathan Bousquet, 13 Afusipa Taumoepeau, 12 Sione Piukala, 11 Mathieu Acebes, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Tom Ecochard, 8 Genesis Mamea Lemalu, 7 Alan Brazo, 6 Karl Chateau, 5 Berend Botha, 4 Masalosalo Tutaia, 3 Gert Muller, 2 Rapahel Carbou, 1 Enzo Forletta
Replacements: 16 Manu Leiataua, 17 Yassin Boutemani, 18 Tristan Laboutely, 19 Shahn Eru, 20 Sadek Degmache, 21 Enzo Selponi, 22 Adrea Cocagi, 23 Eric Sione

Stade Francais: 15 Kylan Hamdaoui, 14 Julien Arias, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Tony Ensor, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Piet van Zyl, 8 Sergio Parisse, 7 Sekou Macalou, 6 Ryan Chapuis, 5 Alexandre Flanquart, 4 Hugh Pyle, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Remi Bonfils, 1 Hendrik van der Merwe
Replacements: 16 Laurent Panis, 17 Siegfried Fisiihoi, 18 Mathieu de Giovanni, 19 Charlie Frncoz, 20 Clement Daguin, 21Jules Plisson, 22 Julien Delbouis, 23 Paul Alo-Emile

Referee: Laurent Cardona
Assistant referees: Thomas Charabas, Richard Duhau
TMO: Denis Grenouillet

Bordeaux-Bègles 41-19 Pau
Stade Chaban-Delmas

A seesaw encounter in French wine territory eventually saw the home side run away with it thanks to three tries in the final quarter.

Romain Lonca scored twice as did Nans Ducuing to earn Bordeaux a 41-19 win that wasn’t always as comprehensive as it looked.

Baptiste Serin kicked five penalties and two conversions to keep the scoreboard ticking over whilst Pau used three different kickers throughout the match as they constantly looked to stay in touch.

Tom Taylor kicked their opening two penalties before Thibault Daubagna also added his own effort to cancel out Serin’s opening two attempts. Taylor’s fellow All Black Colin Slade kicked himself a penalty to close the gap to 13-12 after Ducuing scored the first of his two tries.

Serin added another three before Daubagna crossed the whitewash to put Pau in the lead. Serin then kicked a further two three pointers before Ducuing’s second try opened up an eight point gap.

Pau had nothing left to respond with and Lonca’s two tries in the final minutes, both converted by Serin, gave the hosts a rewarding first win.

The scorers:

For Bordeaux-Bègles:
Tries: Ducuing 2, Lonca 2
Cons: Serin 3
Pens: Serin 5

For Pau:
Try: Daubagna
Con: Slade
Pens: Taylor 2, Daubagna, Slade

Bordeaux: 15 Nans Ducuing, 14 George Tilsley, 13 Romain Lonca, 12 Ulupano Seuteni, 11 Blair Connor, 10 Brock James, 9 Baptiste Serin, 8 Afa Amosa, 7 Alexandre Roumat, 6 Mahamadou Diaby, 5 Cyril Cazeaux, 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Vadim Cobilas, 2 Florian Dufour, 1 Lekso Kaulashvili
Replacements: 16 Maxime Lamothe, 17 Thierry Paiva, 18 Jandre Marais, 19 Cameron Woki, 20 Jules Gimbert, 21 Semi Radradra, 22 Eto Nabuli, 23 Lasha Tabidze

Pau: 15 Charly Malie, 14 Adrien Plante, 13 Julien Fumat, 12 Jale Vatubua, 11 Watisoni Votu, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Thibault Daubagna, 8 Antoine Erbani, 7 Sean Dougall, 6 Benjamin Mowen, 5 Fabrice Metz, 4 Daniel Ramsay, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Quentin Lespiaucq, 1 Geoffrey Moise
Replacements: 16 Laurent Bouchet, 17 Jamie Mackintosh, 18 David Foley, 19 Baptiste Pesenti, 20 Martin Puech, 21 Julien Blanc, 22 Tom Taylor, 23 Nicolas Corato

Referee: Pierre Brousset
Assistant referees: Ludovic Cayre, Arnaud Blondel
TMO: Philippe Bonhoure

Clermont Auvergne 67-23 Agen
Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin

Two tries in the space of five second-half minutes turned a nervous contest in Clermont’s favour as they began their campaign with a win.

Keen to abolish any memories of last year’s woeful campaign by their high standards; Samuel Ezeala and Sipili Falatea both crossed to turn a one point half-time deficit into a 29-16 lead and the home side never looked back.

11 points from the boot of Jake McIntyre coupled with Tamaz Mchedildze’s try had usurped Isaia Toeava’s first-half brace and five points from Greig Laidlaw to send the visitors in 16-15 up at the break.

Ezeala and Falatea then turned the game on its head and Alivereti Raka’s quick double ended the contest as he scored Clermont’s fifth and sixth try to make the score 41-16.

A further four tries in 12 minutes of the final quarter sealed a ten try rout for the hosts as Ezeala sealed his brace, Peter Betham entered to grab a quick fire brace of his own and Apisai Naqlevu also got in the act.

Sandwiched in Clermont’s late rally was a further consolation for Agen but there’s no doubting who got the better of this contest on opening day.

The scorers:

For Clermont:
Tries: Toeava 2, Ezeala 2, Falatea, Raka 2, Betham 2, Naqalevu
Cons: Laidlaw 7
Pen: Laidlaw

For Agen:
Tries: Mchedlidze, Tanga
Cons: McIntyre, Vincent
Pens: McIntyre 3

Clermont: 15 Setariki Tuicuvu, 14 Alivereti Raka, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Apisai Naqalevu, 11 Samuel Ezeala, 10 Camille Lopez, 9 Greig Laidlaw, 8 Fritz Lee, 7 Damien Chouly, 6 Peceli Yato, 5 Sebastien Vahaamahina, 4 Sitaleki Timani, 3 Davit Zirakashvili, 2 John Ulugia, 1 Etienne Falgoux
Replacements: 16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Loni Uhila, 18 Arthur Iturria, 19 Alexandre Fischer 20 Charlie Cassang, 21 Patricio Fernandez, 22 Peter Betham, 23 Sipili Falatea

Agen: 15 Mathieu Lamolie, 14 Loris Tolot, 13 Sam Vaka, 12 Tamaz Mchedlidze, 11 Valentin Saurs, 10 Jake McIntyre, 9 Paul Abadie, 8 Yoan Mangene, 7 Antoine Miquel, 6 Romain Briatte, 5 Thomas Murday, 4 Denis Marchois, 3 David Ryan, 2 Marc Barthomeuf, 1 Giorgi Tetrashvili
Replacements: 16 Paula Ngauamo, 17 Quentin Bethune, 18 Mickael de Marco, 19 Andres Tarazone, 20 Lucas Rubio, 21 Thomas Vincent, 22 Clement Laporte, 23 Yohan Montes

Referee: Maxime Chalon
Assistant referees: Vincent Blasco-Baque, Laurent Breil
TMO: Eric Gauzins

La Rochelle 28-21 Grenoble
Stade Marcel-Deflandre

Newly promoted Grenoble reintroduced themselves to the Top 14 and gave a strong account of themselves as they narrowly went down at La Rochelle.

Trailing 18-8 at the break, Grenoble staged somewhat of a comeback when Leva Fifita’s try made it 23-21 with a quarter of an hour to play but Jean-Charles Orioli’s try on 75 minutes sealed the contest.

Eight points from Alexi Bales’ boot coupled with a try from new man Marc Andreu and Brieuc Plessis-Couillaud had given the home side a commanding lead with Grenoble only having a solitary Lolagi Visinia try and a penalty from Franck Pourteau to show for their efforts.

He kicked a further two penalties in the second 40 before Greg Alldritt had scored La Rochelle’s third try to once again extend the gap. But Fifita’s late try bore hope to sealing a memorable win before the home side showed their experience to see out their opening game.

The scorers:

For La Rochelle:
Tries: Andreu, Plessis-Couillaud, Alldritt, Orioli
Con: Bales
Pens: Bales 2

For Grenoble:
Tries: Visinia, Fifita
Con: Pourteau
Pens: Pourteau 3

La Rochelle: 15 Arthur Retiere, 14 Vincent Rattez, 13 Brieuc Plessis-Couillaud, 12 Pierre Aguillon, 11 Marc Andreu, 10 Jeremy Sinzelle, 9 Alexi Bales, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Remi Bourdeau, 6 Zeno Kieft, 5 Lopeti Timani, 4 Romain Sazy, 3 Arthur Joly, 2 Pierre Bourgarit, 1 Vincent Pelo
Replacements: 16 Jean-Charles Orioli, 17 Mike Corbel, 18 Mathieu Tanguy, 19 Gregory Alldritt, 20 Jean-Victor Goillot, 21 Ryan Lamb, 22 Jules Favre, 23 Leo Aouf

Grenoble: 15 Lolagi Visinia, 14 Raymond Rhule, 13 Pablo Uberti, 12 Alaska Taufa, 11 Lucas Dupont, 10 Franck Pourteau, 9 Lilian Saseras, 8 Loic Godener, 7 Stephen Setephano, 6 Francois Uys, 5 Salesi Fifita, 4 Mickael Capelli, 3 Davit Kubriashvili, 2 Etienne Fourcade, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg
Replacements: 16 Mike Tadjer, 17 Dylan Jacquot, 18 Hans Nkinsi, 19 Clement Ancely, 20 Jeremy Valencot, 21 Ben Lucas, 22 Taleta Tupuola, 23 Halani Aulika

Referee: Jonathan Dufort
Assistant referees: Julien Castaignede, Jean-Luc Rebollal
TMO: Bruno Bressot

Lyon 16-16 Toulouse
Matmut Stadium de Gerland

Lyon’s draw at Toulon last year was a memorable one in the Top 14 quarters, this however was one that got away.

Thomas Ramos’ drop-goal with five minutes left sealed a 16-16 draw for Toulouse in Lyon after their former player Jean-Marc Doussain had almost kicked Lyon to victory.

He and Ramos both kicked 11 points in a contest than had Toulouse trailing for much of it. Etienne Oosthuizen’s first-half try had Lyon leading 10-6 at the break but Yoann Huget notched a try for Toulouse to make it 13-10 to the visitors.

Two penalties from Doussain then pushed Lyon back in front but Ramos remained cool under pressure to earn his side a draw.

The scorers:

For Lyon:
Try: Oosthuizen
Con: Doussain
Pens: Doussain 3

For Toulouse:
Try: Huget
Con: Ramos
Pens: Ramos 2
Drop-Goal: Ramos

Lyon: 15 Delon Armitage, 14 Toby Arnold, 13 Rudi Wulf, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Noa Nakaitaci, 10 Jean-Marc Doussain, 9 Baptiste Couilloud, 8 Loann Goujon, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Julien Puricelli, 5 Francois van der Merwe, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Francisco Gomez Kodela, 2 Jeremie Maurouard, 1 Raphael Chaume
Replacements: 16 Virgile Lacombe, 17 Alexandre Menini, 18 Hendrik Roodt, 19 Patrick Sobela, 20 Jonathan Pelissie, 21 Jean-Marcellin Buttin, 22 Thibaut Regard, 23 Clement Ric

Toulouse: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Pierre Fouyssac, 12 Romain Ntamack, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Zack Holmes, 9 Sebastien Bezy, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Piula Fa’asalele, 4 Florian Verhaeghe, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Lucas Pointud
Replacements: 16 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 17 Rodrigue Neti, 18 Joe Tekori, 19 Selevasio Tolofua, 20 Pierre Pages, 21 Maxime Mermoz, 22 Sofiane Guitoune, 23 Dorian Aldegheri

Referee: Alexandre Ruiz
Assistant referees: Luc Ramos, Sebastien Hebert
TMO: Eric Briquet-Campin

Toulon 9-25 Racing 92
Stade Mayol

The mercurial – and immensely well paid – Finn Russell began justifying both his talent and salary within his first competitive 80 minutes at the Parisian side.

Scorer of two tries as well as 10 points from his boot; the Scotsman single handedly turned what looked to be a kicking contest into a one man show.

Patrice Collazo’s debut at his new Stade Mayol home was an unsuccessful one but his Toulon outfit were made to pay for a 10 minute period in which Racing scored 12 points whilst Malakai Fekitoa was in the sin bin.

Louis Carbonel initially kicked the first points of the game; kicking two first-half penalties to Russell’s one to give the hosts a 6-3 lead at the interval.

Racing then turned the game with their quick burst of 12 points in less than five minutes to make it 15-6 before Carobnel kicked his third penalty to cut the gap.

Racing’s advantage though was hammered home minutes later when the irresistibly quick Juan Imhoff notched his first try of the year. Russell kicked the conversion and a further penalty to make it 25-9 taking his personal haul for the night to 20 points.

No doubting who the star of the show was on opening night, his employers will be hoping it continues. Those on the Cote d’Azur however will be hoping to turn the tables as the season progresses.

The scorers:

For Toulon:
Pens: Carbonel 3

For Racing 92:
Tries: Russell 2, Imhoff
Cons: Russell 2
Pens: Russell 2

Toulon: 15 Hugo Bonneval, 14 Filipo Nakosi, 13 Josua Tuisova, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Daniel Ikpefan, 10 Louis Carbonel, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Charles Ollivon, 7 Raphael Lakafia, 6 Swan Rebbadj, 5 Romain Taofifenua, 4 Mamuka Gorgodze, 3 Marcel van der Merwe, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 1 Florian Fresia
Replacements: 16 Anthony Etrillard, 17 Sebastien Taofifenua, 18 Juandre Kruger, 19 Stephane Onambele, 20 Mathieu Smaili, 21 Jacques Potgieter, 22 Anthony Meric, 23 Emerick Setiano

Racing: 15 Simon Zebo, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Virimi Vakatawa, 12 Henry Chavancy, 11 Juan Imhoff, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Teddy Iribaren, 8 Antonie Claassen, 7 Baptiste Chouzenoux, 6 Wenceslas Lauret, 5 Donnacha Ryan, 4 Boris Palu, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Ole Avei, 1 Eddy Ben Arous
Replacements: 16 Teddy Baubigny, 17 Vasil Kakovin, 18 Edwin Maka, 19 Jordan Joseph, 20 Xavier Chauveau, 21 Olivier Klemenczak, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Census Johnston

Referee: Romain Poite
Assistant referees: Cyril Lafon, Bruno Gabaldon
TMO: Laurent Sclafer

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Brumbies record cap holder Ben Alexander has announced his retirement from professional rugby following a long and glittering career.

The prop, who played 154 times for the Brumbies in Super Rugby and won 72 Test caps for the Wallabies, leaves behind a plethora of sporting memories.

Alexander, born in Sydney, joined the Brumbies in 2008 and made his debut the same year against the Reds in Canberra replacing Salesi Ma’afu in the 43-11 home success.

A regular substitute in his first season, Alexander made his first start the following year at Ellis Park in Johannesburg against the Lions.

Quickly forging a reputation as a solid performer, and an expert proponent of the set-piece, Alexander made an impression on the national selectors and was called up for a first Wallabies appearance after only playing half-a-dozen times for the Brumbies.

He made his Wallabies debut as a 59th minute replacement for Benn Robinson in the 34-13 win over France at Stadium Australia in Sydney in 2008 and was a regular selection thereafter with his ability to play either side of the scrum a massive plus for his coaches at all levels.

“Ben has been a loyal club man and incredible talent,” said Brumbies CEO Michael Thomson about the announcement.

“Not only is he a tremendous rugby player, Ben is also a wonderful man and is a very popular person amongst the players, staff and supporters. His commitment to the club is second-to-none and is exemplified by his retirement as our record cap holder.

“To play over 150 matches in Super Rugby for one team is testament to his qualities but, to everyone who knows him, Ben is so much more than a rugby player, being the successful businessman and great family-man. His experience and presence will be missed on the field, but we are hoping that he will continue to be a regular visitor to the club.

“We thank Ben for his contribution and wish he and his young family all the best for the future.”

Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar echoed Thomson’s comments about a player who was part of the fabric of the Canberra-based club for over a decade of service.

“Ben has been at the club for a long period of time and is a guy who is very popular amongst the playing group, is highly respected, and has had a tremendous career having made a significant contribution to the Brumbies,” said McKellar.

“Ben started as a Loose head and moved across to Tight head and, at times through his career, he played one for the Brumbies and different for the Wallabies. That says a lot about his character in that he always did what was best for the team and the group.

“Because of his experience, and the fact he has been around for a long time, he has an opinion that you value, and that knowledge and experience is something that we will miss.”

Alexander’s last match in a Brumbies shirt was the 40-31 win over the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium in Sydney earlier this year when he replaced fellow front-row Nic Mayhew in the 62nd minute. A fitting end to a glorious career.

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Argentina captain Agustin Creevy could not hide his delight after his side secured a memorable 32-19 win over South Africa in Mendoza on Saturday.

Creevy described his side’s triumph as “special” because it ended an 11-match losing streak in the Rugby Championship.

The result against the Springboks is also significant after los Pumas suffered a 34-21 defeat against the two-time world champions in the corresponding fixture in Durban last weekend.

“All victories are sweet, but this one was particularly satisfying,” Creevy told AFP.

“We faced a powerful Springboks team and we won — that is special. We took a big step forward from last weekend when we lost in Durban.

“The team learnt from the mistakes made in South Africa. We attacked brilliantly in the first half and defended equally brilliantly in the second half.”

Fly-half and man-of-the-match Nicolas Sanchez, who contirbuted 17 points, praised the crowd in Mendoza and said they inspired the team to victory.

“This is a perfect venue for us,” he revealed.

“The crowd were magnificent. They inspired us with their sustained support.

“The second half was extremely difficult for us because South Africa had a lot of possession and were camped in our half of the pitch.

“They tried to wear us out, but we kept our lead thanks to a gigantic effort by everyone — the run-on team and the replacements.

“I favoured tactical kicking at times to slow the pace and try to dictate the rhythm of the match.”

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