Tag: Rugby

New Zealand are sweating over the fitness of openside flanker Sam Cane ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test with Australia in Auckland.

The 26-year-old was a peripheral figure at the All Blacks’ captain’s run at Eden Park on Friday and took little part in proceedings due to a knee injury.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read said Cane was still on course to play against the Wallabies, but it wouldn’t surprise to see Ardie Savea lining up in the second Bledisloe Cup showdown.

The world champions are thin on specialist cover for openside flanker. Matt Todd is playing for the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan’s Top League which means that it’s possible that Shannon Frizell, who was participating in the All Blacks’ training session on Friday, could come on to the replacements bench if Cane is forced to withdraw from the matchday squad.

“It’s just precautionary and he’s having a day off today,” Read told the New Zealand Herald.

“At the moment he’s still good to go.”

The All Blacks are usually up-front about injuries so it’s possible that they are giving Cane as much time as possible to prove his fitness.

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The Springboks travel to Mendoza to face Argentina in Round Two of the 2018 Rugby Championship, looking for back-to-back victories over their hosts.

Last weekend’s 34-21 win in Durban did not come easily for the Boks, however, as they were 14-10 down by the time the sides headed into the interval. However, they would dig themselves out of a hole in the second-half as they have become accustomed to doing.

Rassie Erasmus must be concerned by the fact that his side have too often fallen behind in the recent past only to claw themselves back into games. In fact the Springboks have trailed at half-time in each of their last five games in the Rugby Championship; only to scrounge up a win and two draws in that span.

Argentina did well to unsettle the Boks in that first-half with their line-speed on defence, forcing the hosts to hurry when playing out wide and inevitably make mistakes.

But for a nation that usually prides itself on its forward dominance, Argentina were completely dominated up front throughout the encounter, something that will irk newly-appointed head coach Mario Ledesma; himself a master of the dark arts.

And Bok mentor Erasmus says the Boks are bracing for a response from the Pumas pack.

“We’ve always rated them as a very physical team and we felt the game (in Durban) was physical. They’re going to step it up and I think they will come hard at our mauling, scrums and the breakdowns,” he said.

It was the Boks, who bossed the set-piece in Durban, enjoying an 83 percent line-out success rate to los Pumas’ 64 percent and a 100 percent scrum success rate to their opponents’ 71 percent. The return of Franco Mostert to the starting line-up and Wilco Louw and RG Snyman to the matchday 23 will only strengthen a pack already in fine shape.

Mostert comes into the side at number five for Pieter-Steph du Toit, who drops to the bench. And Erasmus explained the reason for Mostert’s absence in the first Test was due to a heavy workload in 2018, with the Lions having made it all the way to the Super Rugby final.

“Franco needed rest after Super Rugby and the June internationals and we therefore didn’t consider him for Durban. He’s been our first-choice No 5 lock and that’s why he is starting on Saturday,” he said.

With Argentina expected to be an altogether different proposition in front of their boisterous home support, the Boks can ill-afford for Handre Pollard to produce a similarly poor performance from the tee, having kicked just two of his seven conversions last time out.

Players to watch:

For Argentina: Keep an eye out for Guido Petti. The 23-year-old is very fast for a lock and comes in at 108kg and 1.94m, making him a significant threat with ball in hand and a constant menace on attack. He has a new partner in Tomas Lavanini this week with both key to Argentina’s hopes.

For South Africa: Franco Mostert returns this week having been rested after a heavy workload in 2018. Has been one of the Lions’ standout performers once again throughout the season with his consistent showings. He was at the forefront of the Johannesburg outfit’s onslaught up front and finished the campaign as Super Rugby’s most prolific tackler (234) and line-out jumper (87).

Head-to-head: As always, the battle between the fly-halves will be crucial to the outcome of the game. Nicolas Sanchez was impressive in Durban last weekend, scoring a try as well as kicking three conversions, and is now just 28 points shy of eclipsing Felipe Contepomi as the most prolific Argentine points-scorer in history. Handre Pollard, meanwhile, was a key weapon for the Springboks at Kings Park, beating a team-high four defenders from his seven carries while he executed two offloads. However, Pollard will need to improve off the tee.

Previous results:

2018: South Africa won 34-21 in Durban
2017: South Africa won 41-23 in Mendoza
2017: South Africa won 37-15 in Port Elizabeth
2016: Argentina won 26-24 in Salta
2016: South Africa won 30-23 in Nelspruit
2015: South Africa won 24-13 in London
2015: South Africa won 26-12 in Buenos Aires
2015: Argentina won 37-25 in Durban
2014: South Africa won 33-31 in Salta
2014: South Africa won 13-6 in Pretoria

Prediction: Despite being home soil, it’s hard to see Argentina turning round things so quickly after last week: South Africa by 7.

The teams:

Argentina: 15 Emiliano Boffelli, 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Matias Moroni, 12 Bautista Ezcurra, 11 Ramiro Moyano, 10 Nicolas Sanchez, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 8 Javier Ortega Desio, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Agustin Creevy (c), 1 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro
Replacements: 16 Facundo Bosch, 17 Santiago Garcia Botta, 18 Santiago Medrano, 19 Matias Alemanno, 20 Tomas Lezana, 21 Tomas Cubelli, 22 Jeronimo de la Fuente, 23 Juan Cruz Mallia

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 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Lionel Mapoe, 23 Damian Willemse

Date: Saturday, August 25
Venue: Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
Kick-off: 16:10 local (20:10 BST, 19:10 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Andrew Brace (Ireland)
TMO: Simon McDowell (Ireland)

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The Wallabies are facing another daunting task when they take on the All Blacks at New Zealand rugby’s fortress, Eden Park, on Saturday.

After last week’s triumph in the Rugby Championship opener in Sydney, the world champions are on the cusp of another win against their trans-Tasman rivals and victory in this encounter will secure them the Bledisloe Cup for the 16th year in a row.

And what makes the challenge even more difficult for Australia is their record against New Zealand at Eden Park.

The Wallabies last beat the men in black at the spiritual home of New Zealand rugby in 1986, with New Zealand winning the last 17 Tests on the bounce against Australia at the venue, including their last four by an average margin of 27 points per game.

Apart from that, the All Blacks have won 10 of their last 12 matches against the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship – with one defeat and a draw – including their last five in a row.

That paints a dire picture for the Wallabies as they head into this fixture and judging from their performance in Sydney, they will have to play out of their skins to pull off an upset.

If Australia want to cause an upset, they must improve in their forward play which was the root cause of their troubles last weekend. They were especially poor in the tight exchanges – with the All Blacks dominating the scrums and line-outs – and it was no surprise that Wallabies coach Michael Cheika tinkered with his front-row for this encounter.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks are in a familiar position as they head into this Test in a confident mood after a superb all-round performance last weekend.

The world champions took a while to hit their straps in Sydney – they trailed 6-5 at half-time – but when they did, they were unstoppable and eventually cruised to a comfortable victory.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes backing up a good performance is one of the hardest things to do in sport, particularly when playing the same opponent.

“The fear factor that was there before both teams played each other last week has been removed because we now know each other,” he said.

“Whilst we’ve played each other many, many times before, those two teams [last Saturday] hadn’t met in the middle of the arena.

“Whether we like it or not, sub-consciously, the scoreboard has an effect on us. What we’ve got to be able to manage is our ability mentally to be able to put ourselves back into that nerve state that we were in before we played them the first time. Whether it’s Australia, South Africa, whoever you’re playing in a series, it is difficult.

“Your mind is probably your greatest weapon. You only have to be five percent off in your preparation…if they’re five percent better and you’re five percent off, that’s a 10 percent change. There’s not a lot between some of these teams.”

Players to watch:

For New Zealand: With Ryan Crotty sidelined due to concussion, Ngani Laumape gets a rare opportunity in the world champions’ run-on side. At his best, Laumape is one of the most devastating ball carriers in the game and he has the ability to burst through tackles with ease. The 25-year-old has been inconsistent for the Hurricanes at Super Rugby level, however, and was initially left out of the world champions’ Rugby Championship squad. He will be determined to show All Blacks coach Steve Hansen that was a mistake with a strong attacking display. This Test is also a momentous occasion for veteran prop Owen Franks, who becomes only the ninth All Black to play 100 Tests. He will be keen to celebrate that achievement with a win and hopefully also a try as he has played more games than any other player in Test history without having dotted down.

For Australia: If the visitors want to keep their Bledisloe Cup hopes alive and stun the All Blacks in their own backyard, they will need their half-back pairing of Will Genia and Bernard Foley to be at their best. When on song, both are brilliant playmakers, who have the ability to dictate the pace of a game and get the best out of their team-mates. For them to do that, their forwards must dominate of course but Genia and Foley’s decision making and game management will be pivotal if the Wallabies want to return to winning ways.

Head-to-head: The battle at the base of the scrum between New Zealand’s Kieran Read and Australia’s David Pocock will be keenly contested as they are amongst the best loose forwards in the business. Both players are important to their respective teams’ causes although they bring different attributes into battle. Read showed glimpses of his attacking ability in Sydney last week while Pocock was arguably the Wallabies’ best player and his workrate – especially on defence and at the breakdown – was particularly impressive.

Previous results:

2018: New Zealand won 38-13 in Sydney
2017: Australia won 23-18 in Brisbane
2017: New Zealand won 35-29 in Dunedin
2017: New Zealand won 54-34 in Sydney
2016: New Zealand won 37-10 in Auckland
2016: New Zealand won 29-9 in Wellington
2016: New Zealand won 42-8 in Sydney
2015: New Zealand won 34-17 at Twickenham (RWC Final)
2015: New Zealand won 41-13 in Auckland

Prediction: The All Blacks will continue where they left off in Sydney last week and cruise to another easy victory. New Zealand to win by 18 points.

The teams:

New Zealand: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Waisake Naholo, 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

Australia: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Jack Maddocks, 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 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Scott Sio
Replacements: 16 Folau Faingaa, 17 Tom Robertson, 18 Sekope Kepu, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Matt Toomua, 23 Tom Banks

Date: Saturday, August 25
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19:35 local (08:35 BST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Luke Pearce (England)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

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Sale full-back Chris Ashton has been given a seven-week suspension for the tip tackle which earned him a red card against Castres last week.

The tackle was on Rory Kockott and contravened law 9.18 and while Ashton didn’t accept the charge, he was found guilty by an independent panel.

Ashton, 31, will now miss the first six rounds of the upcoming Premiership season and will not be able to play again for the Sharks until October 9.

“It is an important principle of rugby regulation to prevent injury to others,” said independent panel chair Richard Whittam QC after the hearing.

“Provocation is not a defence to foul play and lifting a player and dropping that player such that his head makes contact with the ground has the potential to cause serious injury. While in this case the panel accepts no injury was caused, it still amounted to foul play that clearly met the red card threshold.

“The absence of injury and that the action was as a result of a level of provocation, meant that the panel found this was a low-end entry point. Mr Ashton’s poor disciplinary record was an aggravating feature and the panel added one week to reflect that. The panel considered at length the prescriptive list of factors in relation to mitigation, but none were sufficient to reduce the length of the sanction.”

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With the new Guinness PRO14 season less than one week away from kick-off, it’s time for us to preview the teams from Conference A.

CARDIFF BLUES

Last season: 4th in Conference A
Head coach: John Mulvihill

A pulsating final few minutes in Bilbao ended the Danny Wilson era with the Challenge Cup in Cardiff hands. That somewhat overshadowed an average season that saw the Blues enter a difficult phase whereby they beat the sides below them but struggled to conjure up any meaningful fight against the teams above them.

In fact, on only three occasions did they topple a side that ended the season with more points than them: Munster, Ulster and the Cheetahs.

Now without their retired former captain Sam Warburton the Blues will look for new leadership. Gareth Anscombe stepped up when it mattered most last season and, operating in such an influential position, expect him to do likewise this year.

The ageing Gethin Jenkins still brings bags full of experience and quality while Josh Navidi, a man with a rising reputation, will hope to take on the mantle now left by Warburton.

Player to watch: The former Chiefs back Gareth Anscombe kicked the winning points to earn Cardiff the Challenge Cup. Versatile across the backline but most effective at 10, his array of skills has seen him earn regular Welsh caps. His New Zealand apprenticeship is often evident in the way he conducts himself on the pitch and expect him to lead by example once again in 2019.

CHEETAHS

Last season: 3rd in Conference A (quarter-finals)
Head coach: Franco Smith

For a first outing in northern hemisphere rugby the Bloemfontein-based side can take much from a season of steady improvement. It culminated in a quarter-final appearance, which did broadcast the gap still to be bridged, but 12 wins from 21 outings and only the two losses at home is not a bad effort.

The Cheetahs didn’t upset the order because it was unclear as to where they would sit but they’ve set themselves a solid benchmark for the upcoming year. Even replicating the same success will be well received as they build towards a future in the competition.

Both Leinster and the Scarlets left South Africa with a loss, although the Welsh region certainly exacted revenge in the quarter-finals. The Cheetahs, another year older and wiser after facing new opposition and adapting to new methods, will have aspirations of another post-season appearance. Their South African base both hinders and enhances fortunes but, if they can nail down their home form, they can make themselves dark horses heading into the business end of the season.

Johan Goosen returned from retirement towards the latter end of the season but departs back to France while Francois Venter and Uzair Cassiem left to join Worcester and the Scarlets respectively. It no doubt weakens the Cheetahs but they will hope other fill the voids after growing into the tournament last year.

Player to watch: The Cheetahs took a bit of time to adapt but 28-year-old Oupa Mohoje’s performances were such that he earned himself a place in this summer’s South African squad for their series with England. Capable of playing either in the second or and back-row, he is a linchpin of the Cheetahs pack and was able to hold his own against some of the world’s elite flankers operating in the PRO14.

CONNACHT

Last season: 6th in Conference A
Head coach: Andy Friend

Domestic success must seem like a long time ago already in Galway when in actual fact it’s only been just over two years. That said, two years is lifetime in sport and this Connacht side are a shadow of their former self.

The Sportsground, often such a difficult place to travel, was breached four times last term by the likes of Cardiff Blues and Zebre. Just a solitary win on the road summed up what was a lacklustre campaign which yielded just seven wins.

Head coach Andy Friend still has some stardust littered across his squad; Bundee Aki has been the man driving standards for several years now while Kieran Marmion is an exciting half-back who’s international aspirations are only hindered by the excellent Conor Murray.

Success at Connacht shouldn’t be measured by their excellent 2016 season. Ultimately they achieved an incredible feat, but being seen as the best of the chasing pack is a good campaign for the Irish province.

Player to watch: Not particularly a secret but don’t look past Bundee Aki for your moments of magic in the west of Ireland. Now Irish-qualified the centre was pivotal to the Grand Slam success earlier this year and is mercurial. Capable of moments no one in his squad can replicate, the centre is the man Connacht will look to when they are in need of inspiration.

GLASGOW WARRIORS

Last season: 1st in Conference A (semi-finals)
Head coach: Dave Rennie

A season that began so positively ended with little more than a whimper so it’s hard to gauge Dave Rennie’s first year at Glasgow and even harder to predict their fortunes this time round.

The departure of Finn Russell will be strongly felt but this is a side who won their first 10 domestic games while going undefeated at Scotstoun; that was until the Scarlets arrived for the semi-final, dismantling Glasgow in the first 40.

Rennie’s ideas were immediately felt within the Warriors and his style very much enhances the good work done by the previous regime. Given the Scottish contingent within the squad though, it comes as no surprise that international call-ups test their strength in depth.

Nick Frisby arrives from Australia and DTH van der Merwe , a previous winner of the Pro rugby format, adds his experience.

Who operates at 10 is a question for Rennie to answer come the season’s beginning and it could have a huge bearing on how this Warriors side will play. Other than that the message will be to sustain what last year started with. Many of this squad won the PRO14 a few years ago and the hunger still exists to add to that success.

Player to watch: It depends massively on whether they can get and keep him fit but Huw Jones arrived midway through last year without getting a fair crack at the whip. Quickly becoming pivotal at international level with his try record, Jones is eager to replicate that form at club level. Time spent in South Africa honed his talents and this late bloomer is taking the rugby world by storm. As a 13 he possess everything and Rennie’s chances of success will be more than enhanced by getting Jones playing at full tilt in a team that wants to attack.

MUNSTER

Last season: 2nd in Conference A (semi-finals)
Head coach: Johann van Graan

Two semi-finals culminated in another trophy-less season, much like the year before when a semi and a final left Munster empty handed.

New man on the block Johann Van Graan came in mid-season to replace Rassie Erasmus but the South African theme should’ve bred some continuity. He quickly was introduced to the task, both emotionally and physically, of leading this Munster outfit.

Andrew Conway’s epic try in Europe to down Toulon was a baptism of how this province operates. Heart and passion in cohesion with the men on the field.

Simon Zebo departs to Paris but Joey Carbery arrives from Leinster in search of greater playing time. Munster weren’t overly short at 10 but his versatility will prove useful.

Elsewhere, Conor Murray continues to be the team’s talisman alongside the likes of CJ Stander and Peter O’Mahony. Tadhg Beirne arrives from the Scarlets and brings quality with winning experience.

It’s another season where semi-finals will be the requirement, but losing in the final stretch is a bad habit Munster has known in the past and will want to avoid falling into again.

Player to watch: Eyes will be fixed this year on how Joey Carbery does after swapping blue for red. The immensely talented utility back will likely be deployed at both 10 and 15 throughout the season, such is his highly-skilled arsenal. His man of the match display against Wasps 18 months ago has lived long in the memory and if that was a glimpse of the player he is to become then Munster can rejoice at his arrival.

OSPREYS

Last season: 5th in Conference A
Head coach: Allen Clarke

It’s out with the old and in with the new at the Liberty Stadium. Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar’s departures will usher a new era of half-backs, albeit without experience, whie the arrival of Welsh stars Scott Williams and George North bring renewed optimism.

A disappointing year cost Steve Tandy his job and Allen Clarke is now charged with reinvigorating this sleeping giant. For so many years the flag bearers for Welsh rugby, the Ospreys have faded from the side they were, despite the calibre of players in their squad.

Sam Davies remains an untapped talent but time is running out for him to realise his potential. Up front, the Ospreys are blessed with Scott Baldwin, Alun-Wyn Jones and Dan Lydiate all operating in the same pack.

Too close to the bottom of their conference and too far from the upper echelons, the Ospreys cannot afford another season of meandering. The pressure levels are certainly high for a side who lost 12 of their fixtures last year but the level of the squad demands more.

Player to watch: Look no further than one George North. Concussion problems and a lack of form have overshadowed his talent across the last 12 months or so but the Welshman, returning home after five years away, is a try-scoring machine. The mix of pace and power makes him a hybrid winger befitting the modern age. If Ospreys can give him even the slightest of service he will cross the whitewash time and time again.

ZEBRE

Last season: 7th in Conference A
Head Coach: Michael Bradley

Zebre did once again prop up the table but last year but they did so with more than double the amount of wins they had secured the previous season. The Italians earned a memorable scalp over Ulster and completed the double over their fellow Irish province Connacht.

Michael Bradley’s role as head coach allows the squad an element of continuity and at international level Conor O’Shea is raising the profile of Italian rugby. This can only filter down and Zebre, while being on the receiving end of some hidings, are improving their performances almost annually.

It’s hard to imagine them finishing outside their conferences bottom two but this Italian side are as much about the process as they are the result. Improvement is occurring, just at a slow rate.

Player to watch: Centre Tommaso Castello is certainly a standout performer in Parma and expect that to continue into 2019. More than holding his own on the international stage, Castello is somewhat hindered by those he plays with, simply for the fact they cannot play at the levels he does. That though makes him pivotal to anything good that occurs for the Italian side.

by Sam Meade

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Los Pumas climbed the World Rugby Rankings after breaking their losing streak in home Tests with victory over South Africa, while there are also gains for Paraguay and Colombia.

On the same day that Beauden Barrett starred for the All Blacks with four tries and a stunning 30-point contribution to New Zealand’s Bledisloe Cup-clinching 40-12 victory over Australia, Argentina fly-half Nicolas Sanchez also shone for Argentina as Los Pumas finally brought an 11-match losing run in The Rugby Championship to an end against South Africa in Mendoza.

Sanchez produced a ‘full house’, scoring one of Argentina’s four tries as well as kicking three conversions, a penalty and a drop goal in a 32-19 victory that helped make amends for last week’s 34-21 loss to the Springboks in Durban and also lifts Los Pumas above Fiji, into ninth, in the World Rugby Rankings.

Argentina raced into a 27-7 half-time lead at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas thanks to a quickfire double from Bautista Delguy and Sanchez’s effort in the 27th-minute. Ramiro Moyano went over for the fourth Argentine try shortly after the break before replacement Lionel Mapoe crossed twice to add to captain Siya Kolisi’s first-half try.

South Africa drop below Scotland into seventh place in the rankings as a result of losing 1.48 rating points, equalling their lowest position since the rankings were introduced in October 2003.

Meanwhile, in Auckland, Barrett displayed the sort of form that has seen him win the World Rugby Player of the Year Award for the last two years.

The Wallabies, just as last week, took the game to New Zealand in the first half and levelled the score at 7-7 courtesy of a Will Genia try, but tries from New Zealand in the final minutes of the first period and opening stages of the second killed off any hopes of a first Wallabies’ win at Eden Park in 32 years.

Barrett crossed twice in each half with New Zealand’s other tries coming from Joe Moody and Liam Squire just after the break. Reece Hodge got a second for Australia in the 54th-minute but, by that stage, the All Blacks were running riot.

New Zealand and Australia’s ranking is unaffected by the result due to the large points differential between the world number one All Blacks and the Wallabies, ranked in fifth.

Like Sanchez, Paraguay fly-half Sergio Alvarenga used every method of scoring to contribute 23 points to Paraguay’s 45-36 defeat of Mexico in the opening match of the inaugural Americas Rugby Challenge.

The victory lifts Paraguay above Zimbabwe and into 37th place in the rankings.

Tournament hosts Colombia are also up on the rise, climbing three places to 40th, following their comprehensive 71-7 victory over Guyana in the second match on Sunday.

Los Tucanes fly-half Manuel Diosa was on course to eclipse the achievements of all the aforementioned fly-halves having bagged a first-half hat-trick and 26 points in total but was subbed off at half-time as Colombia rang the changes.

Guyana drop two places to 48th as a result of the defeat and the loss of 0.79 of a rating point.

World Rankings
Previous position in brackets

1 (1) New Zealand 94.52
2 (2) Ireland 90.12
3 (3) Wales 85.94
4 (4) England 85.68
5 (5) Australia 83.96
6 (7) Scotland 83.02
7 (6) South Africa 81.84
8 (8) France 79.10
9 (10) Argentina 77.02
10 (9) Fiji 76.54
11 (11) Japan 75.24
12 (12) Tonga 73.84
13 (13) Georgia 73.13
14 (14) Italy 72.56
15 (15) USA 71.66
16 (16) Samoa 68.28
17 (17) Romania 68.25
18 (18) Uruguay 65.37
19 (19) Russia 64.89
20 (20) Spain 63.09

With thanks to World Rugby

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With the new Guinness PRO14 season less than one week away from kick-off, it’s time for us to preview the teams from Conference B.

BENETTON

Last season: 5th in Conference B
Head coach: Kieran Crowley

It’s continued steady progress from Benetton and more of the same in 2018/19 could begin to yield a play-off push. Within seven points of Irish outfit Ulster, yet on a squad with far less financial might or individual quality.

The gulf between Italian rugby and its European counterparts is so large that progress often seems an unenviable task, but the gap in quality, especially over the last two to three seasons, has decreased massively.

10 wins, including scalps over the Ospreys, Scarlets and Leinster in Dublin, shows this Benetton side are far from the pushovers of old. Still not able to attract the calibre of player they would like but what they lack in sheer quality they make up for in other ways.

Few will bet on Ulster being as average as they were last year so the seven-point gap between the two sides should widen this term and fellow Conference B sides don’t look like dropping off enough to allow Benetton a sniff of play-off rugby. Nevertheless, they are a side on the up and will no doubt cause an upset or two once again this season.

Player to watch: If Benetton are to continue improving then they will need Tommaso Allan firing on all cylinders. The Italian fly-half helps elevate the Treviso-based side to heights that years ago would’ve been beyond them. If his pack that can give him the kind of ball he needs Allan is a man to keep tabs on.

DRAGONS

Last season: 6th in Conference B
Head coach: Bernard Jackman

Two wins across 21 contests tells a story in itself for the Welsh region. In recent years the Newport outfit have done little more than make up the numbers but new investment could bring about a change in fortunes.

Marquee signings Ross Moriarty and Richard Hibbard arrive from Gloucester and boss Bernard Jackman will hope they can influence proceedings at Rodney Parade.

The Southern Kings and Connacht were the only sides to be beaten by the Dragons and the Welshmen didn’t pick up a single win on the road. Their problems appear considerable, ranging from a lack of player quality, depth and ability to go on the road and win.

The positive is that the only theoretical way is up. League position shouldn’t be a gauge of their progress this term but more how they equip themselves.

Player to watch: Welsh back-row Ross Moriarty left Gloucester after little playing time in 2017/18 but, the season prior to that, he earned himself a spot in the Lions squad and that’s no easy feat. Hugely physical, he will bring a ferociousness desperately needed by the Dragons. Go-forward ball is something he can provide alone, the hard task is using it but in Moriarty they have the first piece of the puzzle.

EDINBURGH

Last season: 3rd in Conference B (quarter-finals)
Head coach: Richard Cockerill

Edinburgh enjoyed an outstanding first season under Richard Cockerill, qualifying for the play-offs and reaching the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup.

Although they ultimately endured disappointment in both, after going down to Munster in the PRO14 and Cardiff Blues in Europe, it has given them something to build on.

Having laid the foundations, the Scottish outfit will be looking to improve, although the added pressures of the Champions Cup may affect them.

They have, however, bolstered their squad with some impressive additions. Henry Pyrgos, Simon Hickey, Juan Pablo Socino and Matt Scott are excellent signings in the backline while Pierre Schoeman, John Barclay and Luke Hamilton will increase their options up front.

Asking for an improvement may be a stretch but the capabilities are certainly there for them to match their performance from the previous campaign and earn their place in the play-offs once again.

Player to watch: After an impressive campaign, which saw him called up to the Scotland squad, Blair Kinghorn will be looking to build on last season. Well-balanced, strong and quick, the full-back is a threat to any rearguard and PRO14 defences will once again have to be wary of Kinghorn. With Simon Hickey and Juan Pablo Socino increasing Edinburgh’s playmaking options in midfield, that should open even more space for the youngster to thrive.

LEINSTER

Last season: 1st in Conference B (winners)
Head coach: Leo Cullen

It’s hard to have anything but compliments and praise for this Leinster side. Last year they completed the clean sweep domestically and in Europe playing rugby their way.

Littered with star quality from front-row to full-back, the departure of several high profile and high quality players was embraced and their replacements are ready. Goodbye Isa Nacewa, hello Jordan Larmour. Jamie Heaslip retires and the likes of Dan Leavy look here to stay.

They have such class across the squad that selecting Johnny Sexton was a luxury they only afforded themselves when necessary. Joey Carbery crosses the divide to Munster but they have sufficient depth to cover.

Leo Cullen deserves huge praise for how he’s managed this group. They did back-to-back European Cups in 2011 & 2012 and that will again be a priority. However, the domestic crown will want to be defended and the Pro14 has been utilised excellently as a breeding ground for the next generation. Whether that’s degrading the competition, enhancing Leinster or both it remains a tried, tested and successful method.

Expect more of the same, and expect more quality also. They are the team to beat.

Player to watch: Is it easier to suggest who not to watch? Picking one you would say Garry Ringrose. The kid is a class act and could well match the legend of one Brian O’Driscoll. That is not said lightly but the way he sidesteps and waltzes past people is dangerous; such an intelligent rugby brain and so mature for his age. The compliments are easily given to Ringrose and across the year it’ll be easy to see why.

SCARLETS

Last season: 2nd in Conference B (runners-up)
Head coach: Wayne Pivac

The winds of change are coming in Llanelli after it was announced Wayne Pivac’s days at Parc y Scarlets are numbered. The Welsh job looms while the likes of Scott Williams, John Barclay and Aled Davies have gone to seek new challenges.

They surrendered their title last year to the outstanding Leinster and lost to the Dubliners in the final four of Europe. Some scores will need to be settled and the Scarlets won’t veer from the methods that have made them synonymous around the continent for their style of play.

They play from anywhere and Pivac has given them the confidence to do so. It’s quite outstanding to watch this Welsh region more than give it to the might of Europe.

Steff Evans is one of the best wingers in Europe while Aaron Shingler is an impressive player. That, combined with the assurances provided by the likes of Rhys Patchell and Leigh Halfpenny, makes the Scarlets a side that will be hunting for trophies.

Player to watch: Scarlets are more than the sum of their parts so to pick an individual is tough. Steff Evans looks like a man ready to shine internationally let alone domestically. His step is frightening and for such a small man he packs a punch. He scored some big tries last term and his all-round improvement shows no signs of slowing.

SOUTHERN KINGS

Last season: 7th in Conference B
Head coach: Deon Davids

They didn’t adapt anywhere near as quickly as their fellow South African counterparts as they finished last in their conference. A new side in their own right even before Super Rugby decided to drop them, the Southern Kings are in need of a vision and people who buy into that.

Several players left after it was announced they would play in a different competition and much of the squad was made up of loan players. Hardly a recipe for success but it does allow the Kings are new slate with which to work.

Their first season has laid down a marker, an unwanted one at that, as bottom of the PRO14 pile and they will be singled out as winnable opponents by the other 13 sides. That could work to their advantage but right now, having disappointed hugely in their baptism year, they have an open target upon them.

A solitary win over the Dragons was all they had to show for their efforts and defeats were often anything but close. The Kings shipped over 40 points in a game on 10 occasions and, with defensive records like that, winning games is going to be a tall order.

The to-do list is endless but defence must be somewhere near the top. They also need to equip themselves with as many seasoned professionals as they can; the PRO14 is a different kettle of fish to Super Rugby and those who understand it will help their learning.

Player to watch: There wasn’t an overload of good going on in Port Elizabeth throughout last season but veteran Dries van Schalkwyk has experience of playing in Italy. He was part of the Kings side that took on the Lions in 2009 and returns after time away. This young team will be wise to tap into his experience as they aim to acclimatise.

ULSTER

Last season: 4th in Conference B
Head coach: Dan McFarland

Surely guilty of being the most underperforming side in Europe, never mind their own league. Ulster finished fourth in their conference, which was enough to ensure Champions Cup rugby this year, but not enough to get them into the quarter-finals.

Les Kiss left midway through last season and they’ve waved goodbye to Charles Piutau, who joined Bristol over the summer after a two-year spell.

The Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding saga loomed over Ulster last year but with that now put to bed there are no excuses. Billy Burns crosses the Irish Sea to stamp a more long-term perspective on the fly-half position occupied by several short-term candidates last year.

Marty Moore heads over from Wasps and Jordi Murphy swaps European Cup winners Leinster for Belfast – astute signings to go alongside the quality already present. Jacob Stockdale’s profile rises and rises while Iain Henderson and Rory Best lead from the front.

It’s a similar story of turning this Ulster side into a team capable of challenging; the blocks are in place it’s just finding a formula that works.

Player to watch: Named the Six Nations Player of the Tournament after a bucket load of tries, Jacob Stockdale is fast becoming one of Europe’s most feared marksman. A new contract was penned last term and Ulster will be expecting the young winger to pick up where he left off. Piutau has now left so the try-scoring column is short of a few scores but Stockdale is more than capable of filling in the blanks.

by Sam Meade

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Wasps‘ director of rugby Dai Young has confirmed that New Zealand-born fly-half Jimmy Gopperth has been ruled out for six to nine months.

Gopperth has undergone surgery on torn anterior cruciate ligaments sustained in Saturday’s pre-season defeat to Connacht.

Meanwhile, Jake Cooper-Woolley and TJ Harris have been ruled out for six to eight weeks and four to six weeks respectively after both underwent surgery on bicep ruptures.

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The All Blacks have announced that seven of their Rugby Championship squad members will be in action in the third round of the Mitre 10 Cup.

Fresh from retaining the Bledisloe Cup, the following All Blacks will swap the black jersey for provincial colours in the Mitre 10 Cup’s third round of matches:

Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Counties Manukau vs Taranaki – Wednesday, August 29, Ardie Savea, Wellington vs Southland – Friday, August 31, Luke Whitelock, Canterbury vs Bay of Plenty, Saturday, September 1, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Liam Coltman, Manawatu vs Otago, Saturday, September 1, Shannon Frizell and Tim Perry, Tasman vs North Harbour, Saturday, September 1.

The New Zealand squad will take part in the hugely-popular All Blacks To The Nation event on Sunday, visiting communities in five towns around the country, before assembling in Nelson to prepare for their Rugby Championship Test against Argentina on Saturday, September 8.

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With the dust having settled on Round Two of the Rugby Championship, we’ve gone through the action to pick the best players from the weekend.

Although New Zealand were impressive again, Argentina lead the way with seven representatives in our team after ending their 11-match losing streak with a win over against South Africa in Mendoza.

The All Blacks are still well represented with six players while the Springboks and Wallabies also contribute one player apiece.

Rugby Championship: Team of the Week

15 Jordie Barrett (New Zealand): Dane Haylett-Petty was one of the few to show up well for Australia but Barrett impressed in what was a slicker performance by the All Blacks. Once again they struggled slightly in the first half, but two moments of quality – one of which involved the full-back – saw the world champions go into the break 14-7 ahead. They then dominated the second period and the Hurricanes man was part of that as he filled in superbly for Ben Smith, who moved to the wing in Rieko Ioane’s absence.

14 Bautista Delguy (Argentina): Scored two tries and finished both excellently as los Pumas completely dominated the first half against South Africa in Mendoza. The wing has impressed for the Jaguares in Super Rugby and continued that form here, making 63 metres with ball in hand and beating an outstanding 10 defenders in the Argentinians’ 32-19 triumph. At the age of just 21, the youngster is looking like an excellent find for Mario Ledesma.

13 Matias Moroni (Argentina): Arguably one of his best performances in an Argentinian shirt, Moroni had a significant hand in three of the tries, providing the final pass each time. The centre linked with Delguy and Sanchez in the first half while his third assist saw Ramiro Moyano touch down for the game-clinching effort. Elsewhere, Jack Goodhue once again impressed for the All Blacks but we’ve gone with the los Pumas back, who was in top form.

12 Ngani Laumape (New Zealand): Not a massive amount of competition for this position with Laumape clearly the best without being a standout in the All Blacks’ victory on Saturday. Kurtley Beale did some decent things once again but the centre is not really getting enough space to work his magic. Laumape, meanwhile, was regularly involved, making 81 metres from 16 runs with a number of those carrying into heavy traffic. He is an absolute powerhouse and offers a different option to Ryan Crotty, but is no less effective.

11 Ben Smith (New Zealand): Two wingers shone this weekend but both played on the right so we have moved the Highlanders back across to the left. After being named in the XV last week following his performance at full-back, Smith showed his versatility by being equally as effective in the wide channels. His excellent take from Aaron Smith’s box-kick was crucial in the first Beauden Barrett try while the 32-year-old also had a significant hand in two of the fly-half’s other scores.

10 Beauden Barrett (New Zealand): Any doubts about whether Barrett is the number one fly-half in New Zealand (or the world for that matter) were all but dispelled after a virtuoso performance from the brilliant number 10. Four tries for a record-breaking haul of 30 points set up an emphatic 40-12 victory to retain the Bledisloe Cup. Meanwhile, Nicolas Sanchez continued his fine form as he marshalled the Argentine attack superbly against the Springboks and contributed 17 points, including a try and drop-goal.

9 Gonzalo Bertranou (Argentina): His crisp service and astute decision-making were crucial in allowing Sanchez to flourish outside of him, while the nuggety scrum-half was not afraid to get involved on defence either, making nine tackles. Comes in ahead of the All Blacks’ Aaron Smith, who came out on top in the personal duel with Will Genia for the second successive week.

8 David Pocock (Australia): Another admirably brave performance as he was heavily targeted by the All Blacks. Immense at the breakdown and on defence, making a team-high 18 tackles, while his turnover would have led to a try on the stroke of half-time were it not for Kurtley Beale’s knock on. Was a miracle he managed to stay on the field after taking all those knocks and neck rolls. Beats out opposite number on the day All Blacks captain Kieran Read and Argentina’s Javier Ortega Desio.

7 Marcos Kremer (Argentina): The highly-rated, versatile forward played most of his early rugby at lock for the Jaguares but has shone as a loose forward this year for the Buenos Aires-based franchise and at international level. And this positional shifts appears to be a masterstroke as Kremer offers a size advantage and an excellent ball-carrying option. Busy as ever on defence, Kremer made a team-high 19 tackles and edges out Sam Cane, who probably would have made our team had he not left the field with a head knock with 25 minutes remaining.

6 Siya Kolisi (South Africa): The skipper was by far his side’s most potent weapon on attack and is the only Springbok in our side. Made some typically barnstorming carries as he beat seven defenders on the day and scored a superb individual effort. Made up for being the smallest loose forward on the pitch with wonderful acceleration off the mark. Comes in ahead of the All Blacks’ Liam Squire and Wallabies’ Lukhan Tui.

5 Guido Petti (Argentina): Was one of Argentina’s heroes in that memorable victory over South Africa in Mendoza. Petti stood up well to the Springboks’ physicality and took the fight to his opponents with some strong carries. Also did well in the lineouts and was particularly impressive on defence with 15 tackles. Meanwhile, Australia’s Adam Coleman played well in a losing cause in Auckland.

4 Brodie Retallick (New Zealand): Another super all-round performance from Retallick, who continued where he left off in Sydney last week. Was once again one of the All Blacks’ best players as they put the Wallabies to the sword again. Retallick’s lineout work was impressive and he was a willing ball carrier but it was his defensive work which caught the eye in Auckland. Eventually made 11 hits of which two stood out as he also ripped the ball from the ball carrier while making the tackle.

3 Juan Figallo (Argentina): The Saracens stalwart delivered a dominant scrummaging display which is no mean feat as his direct opponent was one of the world’s best loosehead props in veteran Springbok Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira. Figallo’s prowess in the scrums was impressive and on one occasion his dominance over Mtawarira laid the platform for one of Bautista Delguy’s tries. Figallo also shone on defence with 10 tackles and beats out All Black centurion Owen Franks.

2 Agustin Creevy (Argentina): Los Pumas‘ skipper put in an inspirational performance and shed blood for the cause in his side’s excellent triumph against the Springboks. Creevy was solid as a ball carrier especially at close quarters where he gained 18 metres from seven runs. Also came to the fore with a brilliant defensive effort and finished with 18 hits while his leadership also stood out. Codie Taylor of New Zealand was next best.

1 Joe Moody (New Zealand): Moody makes our team for the second successive week after another fine showing at the coalface of the world champions’ forward effort against the Wallabies. As usual, he was solid in the scrums but also did well on attack and was rewarded with a try for his efforts. Also did his bit on defence with eight tackles and comes in ahead of Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro of Argentina.

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