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CHIEFS 27 - 22 BRUMBIES

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton - Saturday 3rd August 2013
KO: 19:35 (17:35 AEST | 09:35 SAST | 08:35 BST) HT: 9-16

IT was a scintillating Super Rugby Final which eventually saw the Waikato Chiefs recrowned the Kings of Southern Hemisphere rugby after a last gasp turnaround.

Fans from both nations filled Hamilton’s sold out Waikato Stadium, each eagerly awaiting their team’s fate. Cowbells dashed the tense atmosphere in the eerie floodlight and as both sets of players made their way onto the pitch for the last time this season, the noise levels steadily increased. After the piercing pip of Referee Craig Joubert’s whistle, it was the Brumbies who packed the first punch and had the hosts retreating into their own 22. A mistake from the least penalised side in the championship gave the Brumbies the first advantage and seconds after, Joubert had outstretched his arm for the advantage, raised to allow Christian Leali’ifano to tee up. The Australian record holder for the most points scored in one season added to his haul and gave the visitors the lead 0-3.

Almost instantly after the scoreboard flicked over in the Brumbies’ favour, Leali’ifano crouched down in preparation for kick number two. Another on-target kick extended the visitors’ lead and 6 minutes in, the Chiefs were looking lost at their own ground 0-6.

Shortly after Leali’ifano’s second successful penalty, the counter-rucking Chiefs bruised their way over the gain-line but were stopped short of the Brumbies’ 22 by the feisty defence. This glimmer of fast paced, edgy and exciting rugby did not last long as the first half quickly turned into a comedy of errors. Referee Joubert remained reluctant to consider sin-binning players, despite the farcical ever-growing penalty count. Both sides took it in turns to give away basic penalties and the crowd looked far from impressed as the game became tedious and Joubert’s arms received a good workout.

As the first half entered its final 10 minutes, the only additional points on the scoreboard were from easy penalties scored by Leali’ifano and Aaron Cruden 6-9. An air of boredom shrouded the pitch as the game continued to judder along until Cruden was handed a penalty kick to draw the scores level in the 32nd minute.  Having misjudged kicks previously, Cruden looked relieved when his kick slotted through the posts 9-9.

In the 37th minute, and just as the first half was about to be written off as a kicking competition, man of the moment, Leali’ifano, superbly intercepted Chiefs’ attacking ball and ran 45 metres to score the first potential try of the match. Unsure as to whether George Smith had been offside in previous play leading up to Leali’ifano’s try, Television Match Official Vinny Munro was called upon. After replays showed Smith had played legally, Leali’ifano stepped up to the tee to convert his own try just before halftime, 9-16.

The penalty count continued to increase in the second half. The Brumbies made the first impact on the scoreboard after Scott Fardy won Leali’ifano a penalty. Almost immediately after Leali’ifano’s goal kick, Cruden replied to get 3 much needed points for the Chiefs’ cause 12-19.

In the 58th minute, another penalty goal from Leali’ifano meant the Chiefs were 10 points behind 12-22. As time ticked away, the tenacious Brumbies side looked even hungrier to be only the second team in Super Rugby history to win the title away from their home country, and it looked like luck had run out for the Chiefs.

However, as the top point scorers in the 2013 season, the Chiefs had other ideas than to remain subservient to the Brumbies on the scoreboard. Bodies crunched together, sweat poured and faces grimaced and in the 64th minute, the Chiefs looked to have made it over the line. The TMO decided footage was inconclusive and the Chiefs were awarded a 5 metre scrum. Going it alone, Liam Messam bolted from the scrum and thudded over the tryline. The Chiefs had begun their fight back, even though Cruden woefully missed the conversion 17-22.

Minutes later, an interception from replacement Bundee Aki resulted in Robbie Robinson bounding over for a late Chief miracle. Home fans nervously quietened as Cruden prepared to convert. This quiet soon turned into cheers as Cruden’s kick flew through the posts and gave the Chiefs the lead for the first time 24-22.

Desperately trying to regain their lost lead, the Brumbies invaded Chiefs territory and were rewarded with a penalty in the final minute. Jesse Mogg decided to kick for touch but missed and seconds later the ball was kicked out and the Chiefs had triumphantly won the Super Rugby title back to back.

The Chiefs may not have outplayed the Brumbies for the majority of the match, but they played to their strengths, and that is why they are one of the most unpredictable and tenacious sides in the Southern Hemisphere. Many sides may not have been able to come back from a sizeable points margin, but it is credit to the Chiefs that they did. The Brumbies looked devastated as the Chiefs secured the Super Rugby title once again but the visitors should not be too disheartened as they led the scoreboard for much of the game.

15 Gareth Anscombe 14 Lelia Masaga 13 Charlie Ngatai 12 Andrew Horrell 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma 10 Aaron Cruden 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow 1 Toby Smith 2 Hika Elliot 3 Ben Tameifuna 4 CRAIG CLARKE (C) 5 Brodie Retallick 6 Liam Messam 7 Tanerau Latimer 8 Matt Vant Leven BENCH: 16 Rhys Marshall 17 Ben Afeaki 18 Michael Fitzgerald 19 Sam Cane 20 Augustine Pulu 21 Bundee Aki 22 Robbie Robinson

SCORERS T: Messam, Robinson C: Cruden P: Cruden (5)

15 Jesse Mogg 14 Henry Speight 13 Tevita Kuridrani 12 Christian Lealiifano 11 Clyde Rathbone 10 Matt Toomua 9 Nic White 1 Scott Sio 2 Stephen Moore 3 Ben Alexander 4 Scott Fardy 5 Sam Carter 6 Peter Kimlin 7 George Smith 8 BEN MOWEN (C) BENCH: 16 Siliva Siliva 17 Ruan Smith 18 Fotu Auelua 19 Colby Faingaa 20 Ian Prior 21 Andrew Smith 22 Joe Tomane

SCORERS T: Leali'ifano C: Leali'ifano P: Leali'ifano (5)

Referee: Craig Joubert (SARU) Asst. Referees: Chris Pollock (NZRU), Garratt Williamson (NZRU)TMO: Vinny Munro (NZRU)

 

 

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BULLS 23 - 26 BRUMBIES

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria - Saturday 27 July 2013
KO: 17:05 (03:05 NZST* | 01:05 AEST* | 16:05 BST) HT: 11-16

WHEN Jake White said that his Brumbies would need to be careful about Morne Steyn’s boot, not many suspected it would be a slight hint that his own kicker, Christian Leali’ifano, would play a prominent role with his boot as the Brumbies came back in the final minutes to claim a 26-23 win and advance to the Super Rugby Final.

The daunting stadium of Loftus Versfeld, a venue that had not seen the Bulls defeated during the regular season, was packed to the brim as the two teams looked eager for action, with the Brumbies, now a far more imposing side on paper than at the beginning of the season, looked calm in the face of the roar that the hosts receive when they ran out for action.

The match started at high pace, with both teams looking to duplicate the classic at Hamilton Stadium this season, with running rugby on the cards, and a home team’s penalty led to Lealiifano opening the scoring with a good three points.

The Bulls scrum, not rated as a weapon this season, was under early pressure as a series of resets led to a dominant Brumbies shove, and as the big Bulls pack went backwards, one sensed the visitors were gaining the ascendency.

The edge up front was giving the backs some confidence to run, and Henry Speight the cut on the end of the sword sweep that saw him hand off three defenders before popping the ball up for the ever impressive Jesse Mogg to score.

With the Brumbies sniper converting, the Bulls would ensure they brought the home team back into the contest quickly, with JJ Engelbrecht scoring a few minutes later to the roars of the crowd.

Steyn and Leali'ifano would trade two penalties to give the Australian Conference champions an 16-11 lead, a match where the three-time champions were looking in the contest, but it was the calm Brumbies who were looking more consistent, and possessing a bit more x-factor, led by the imperious George Smith.

While Jan Serfontein and Steyn’s game management was noticeable, it was the evergreen veteran who was all around the field, putting in a key performance as the only specialist openside starting on the field, although his opposite Jacques Potgieter was mammoth with ball in hand, even if not quite as destructive at the ruck as his counterpart.

The second half began with an indication that the South African Conference champions had perhaps had a few layers torn off at halftime by their coaching team.

They were playing with more purpose and spent long periods camped in the Brumbies half, looking at applying their strangulation game, as 15 of the following 20 minutes of the second stage of the contest were spent in the territory of the Australians, but their defence held firm.

The sheer amount of possession however led to penalties, which Steyn duly converted over, and while Lealiifano slotted three of his own, nine points by the Bulls gave them a 20-19 lead as the match entered the fourth quarter – both teams scrapping it out for the right to travel to Hamilton this week to play the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Final.

This fact seem to sting the Brumbies into action, who put together their best period of the second half with a series of attacking raids in Bulls territory, although the hosts defence, led by an aggressive pack that was perhaps not happy with their scrum performance, tackled the visitors backwards.

The visitors began to even out the territory stakes but despite breaking the defensive line and mounting the attacking metres, were unable to break the Bulls defensive line.

The hosts were able to keep themselves in front, with a Steyn penalty restoring some calm after the Bulls spent some wild moments attacking the Brumbies line, turning down the opportunity to give themselves breathing space not once but twice as they looked to score a try to break the visitors hearts.

However the Brumbies would again showcase their great trait this season, the ability to play a full 80 minutes, a week after White said that it took “81 minutes” to defeat the Cheetahs, and almost on the same mark, the 78th to be exact, the Australian Conference champions hit back to steal the match.

A brilliant break by the Brumbies led to a score by Tevita Kuridrani, and White gave a telling and casual slap on the back to his coaching team, as the box erupted a few minutes later as the Canberra based outfit booked themselves a final’s appointment with the Chiefs next weekend.

Zane Kirchner, Akona Ndungane, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein, Bjorn Basson, Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard, DEWALD POTGIETER (C), Jacques Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Grant Hattingh, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling BENCH: Callie Visagie, Frik Kirsten, Morné Mellett, Paul Willemse, Jono Ross, Jano Vermaak, Jürgen Visser

SCORERS  T: Engelbrecht P: Steyn (6)

Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Clyde Rathbone, Matt Toomua, Nic White, BEN MOWEN (C), George Smith, Peter Kimlin, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio BENCH: Siliva Siliva, Ruan Smith, Fotu Auelua, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Andrew Smith, Joe Tomane

SCORERS  T: Mogg, Kuridrani C: Leali'ifano (2) P: Leali'ifano (4)

Referee: Craig Joubert Asst. Referees: Jonathan Kaplan, Marius Jonker TMO: Shaun Veldsman

 

 

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CHIEFS 20 - 19 CRUSADERS

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton - Saturday 27 July 2013
KO: 19:35 (17:35 AEST | 09:35 SAST | 08:35 BST) HT: 3-9

THERE was no small amount of emotion as the two teams lined up to mark the passing of young Takapuna Rugby Club player Willie Halaifonua, but amidst the feeling there was little sign of nerves from the Chiefs and Crusaders, the best two teams in the New Zealand Conference who battled it out to a thrilling 20-19 classic that went the way of the defending champions.

The opening exchanges were very much two capable foes - who had beaten all other Super Rugby teams between them this season - parrying back and forth, and the first opportunity for points came via Dan Carter, who was subjected to a wild cacophony of cowbells and screams, but the ice that runs through the All Black first five-eighth’s veins came through for the opening three.

The Crusaders had the better of possession for the bulk of the half, but were unable to mount territorial pressure, with the Chiefs having the better of territory, while spending nearly triple the time in the visitors 22, a real indication of the even nature of the contest.

The seven time champions however closed out the first half on the front foot, with Carter able to guide two further penalties through the sticks despite a crowd clearly on the side of the Chiefs, while Aaron Cruden slotted over just the solitary three points for the Super Rugby title holders to make it 9-3.

Despite a poised match, Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna was subbed during half time, with Ben Afeaki on to shore up a scrum that was under pressure by a Crusaders pack with eight All Blacks.

In the second stanza the visitors kept the tempo up, and while Cruden gained first points, the Crusaders were breaking the advantage line and managing to halt, occasionally at least, the Chiefs attacks, even though the champions were always in the contest.

This feeling was eventuated as the match entered its last half hour, with Lelia Masaga scoring a brilliant try.

Ninety-nine times out of a hundred a wing, especially in the enemies 22 as the Chiefs were, would go wide, but Masaga decided to cut inside, and in a sweeping run cut through the guts of the Crusaders defence (a romantic might suggest he skipped 8-9 tackles) to score the opening try and make it 13-9 to the home team, who had one of the more vocal Kiwi crowds seen this season.

The Crusaders however mounted wave after wave of offensive plays, doubling their time in the Chiefs 22 in a series of phases approaching the twenties, before the game was opened up.

After nearly complete recent possession, the Crusaders, unleashed yet another attack, but Ryan Crotty, normally so silky, turned his back and fired a pass that was plucked out of the air by Cruden, who scampered away to score under the posts and then convert his own try to give the champions a 11-point edge.

The Crusaders, despite being counter punched twice, would show their class.

And their ‘comeback’ would come from the one New Zealand rugby player who has come back from poor early season form to again spark like an All Blacks fullback, with a twinkle toed Israel Dagg scoring a crucial riposte down the narrow corridors of the sideline, which Carter converted, to make it 20-16 to the hosts.

The benches were emptied throughout the second half, including the heralded introduction of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, with the entry of the 116-Test veteran perhaps the edge the Crusaders would need to capitalise on a territorial and possession based advantage, but so far the Chiefs defence, still rushing forward after 65 minutes, was holding firm. But no player, and as a consequence team, was able to leverage themselves into a dominant position.

Carter struck over the goal to make it 20-19 to the champions, meaning the Crusaders could win with one further score.

It looked as if the Chiefs had thwarted yet another red and black attack when the Crusaders were shuffled into touch, but the champions throw was intercepted and knocked back, giving the visitors a chance to win the game with a couple of minutes remaining.

For the close of the match, the seven time winners, who last claimed a crown in 2008, were unable to break a Chiefs side that had won the second half 17-10, and moved to the Super Rugby Final and have the chance to defend their crown with an effort that only seemed to grow as every enthralling minute ticked by.

The defending champions will host the Super Rugby Final at Waikato Stadium.

Gareth Anscombe, Lelia Masaga, Charlie Ngatai, Andrew Horrell, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Matt Vant Leven, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, CRAIG CLARKE (C), Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith BENCH: Rhys Marshall, Ben Afeaki, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Bundee Aki, Robbie Robinson

SCORERS T: Masaga, Cruden C: Cruden (2) P: Cruden (2)

Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, KIERAN READ (C), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett BENCH: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Luke Whitelock, Richie McCaw, Willi Heinz, Tyler Bleyendaal, Adam Whitelock

SCORERS T: Dagg C: Carter P: Carter (4)

Referee: Steve Walsh Asst. Referees: Glen Jackson, Chris Pollock TMO: Glenn Newman

*KO following day due to time zone difference
†Reports courtesy of SANZAR News Service

 

 

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QUALIFIER A
CRUSADERS 38 - 9 REDS

AMI Stadium, Christchurch - Saturday 20 July 2013
KO: 19:35 (17:35 AEST | 09:35 SAST | 08:35 BST) HT: 21-6

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, KIERAN READ (C), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett BENCH: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Luke Whitelock, Richie McCaw, Willi Heinz, Tyler Bleyendaal, Adam Whitelock

SCORERS T: Crotty (2), Carter, Marshall C: Carter (3) P: Carter (3), Taylor

Reds: Ben Lucas, Dom Shipperley, Ben Tapuai, Jono Lance, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Ed Quirk, JAMES HORWILL (C), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Greg Holmes BENCH: Albert Anae, Jono Owen, Ed O'Donoghue, Radike Samo, Beau Robinson, Nick Frisby, Luke Morahan

SCORERS P: Cooper (3)

Referee: Jaco Peyper (SARU) Asst Referees: Garratt Williamson (NZRU), Mike Fraser (NZRU) TMO: Vinny Munro (NZRU)

 

QUALIFIER B
BRUMBIES 15 - 13 CHEETAHS

Canberra Stadium, Canberra - Sunday 21 July 2013
KO: 16:10 (18:10 NZST | 08:10 SAST | 07:10 BST) HT: 6-5

Brumbies: Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Clyde Rathbone, Matt Toomua, Nic White, BEN MOWEN (C), George Smith, Peter Kimlin, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, Benn Alexander, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio BENCH: Siliva Siliva, Ruan Smith, Fotu Auelua, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Andrew Smith, Joe Tomane

SCORERS P: Leali'ifano (4), White

Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Willie le Roux, Johann Sadie, Robert Ebersohn, Raymond Rhule, Riaan Smit, Piet van Zyl, Philip van der Walt, Pieter Labuschagne, Heinrich Brussow, Rynhardt Landman, Lodewyk de Jager, Lourens Adriaanse, ADRIAAN STRAUSS (C), Coenie Oosthuizen BENCH: Ryno Barnes, Trevor Nyakane, Petrus Vermeulen, Johannes Prinsloo, Sarel Pretorius, Elgar Watts, Ryno Benjamin

SCORERS T: Sadie, Benjamin P: Smit

Referee: Glen Jackson (NZRU) Asst Referees: Rohan Hoffmann (ARU), James Leckie (ARU) TMO: Matt Goddard (ARU)

 

 

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MELBOURNE REBELS 38 - 37 HIGHLANDERS

AAMI Park, Melbourne - Friday 12 July 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 7-31

Rebels: Angus Roberts, Jason Woodward, Tom English, Rory Sidey, Cooper Vuna, Bryce Hegarty, Nick Phipps, GARETH DELVE (C), Scott Fuglistaller, Jarrod Saffy, Cadeyrn Neville, Hugh Pyle, Laurie Weeks, Ged Robinson, Nic Henderson BENCH: Shota Horie, Paul Alo-Emile, Luke Jones, Jordy Reid, Nic Stirzaker, James O'Connor, Kimami Sitauti

SCORERS T: English (2), Vuna (2), Hegarty (2) C: Woodward (4)

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Jason Emery, Tamati Ellison, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, Mose Tuiali'i, Elliot Dixon, TJ Ioane, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn, Ma'afu Fia, ANDREW HORE (C), Tony Woodcock BENCH: Liam Coltman, Bronson Murray, Jake Paringatai, Joe Wheeler, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Shaun Treeby

SCORERS T: Ben Smith, Gear, Ellison, Woodcock C: Slade (4) P: Slade (2), Parker

Referee:  Andrew Lees

 

WARATAHS 12 - 14 REDS

ANZ Stadium, Sydney - Saturday 13 July 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 12-8

Waratahs: Cam Crawford, Tom Kingston, Rob Horne, Berrick Barnes, Peter Betham, Bernard Foley, Brendan McKibbin, DAVE DENNIS (C), Michael Hooper, Jed Holloway, Kane Douglas, Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, John Ulugia, Benn Robinson BENCH: from Luke Holmes, Jeremy Tilse, Will Skelton, Pat McCutcheon, Mitchell Chapman, Matt Lucas, Tom Carter, Ben Volavola

SCORERS T: Crawford, Barnes C: McKibbin Ulugia

Reds: Ben Lucas, Rod Davies, Ben Tapuai, Mike Harris, Luke Morahan, Quade Cooper, Nick Frisby, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Eddie Quirk, Rob Simmons, Ed O'Donoghue, JAMES SLIPPER (C), Saia Faingaa, Greg Holmes BENCH: Albert Anae, Jono Owen, Radike Samo, Jarrad Butler, Beau Robinson, Jono Lance, Dom Shipperley

SCORERS T: Lucas P: Cooper (3)

Referee:  Steve Walsh

 

FORCE 21 - 15 BRUMBIES

NIB Stadium, Perth - Saturday 13 July 2013
KO: 19:45 HT: 14-3

Force: Jayden Hayward, Patrick Dellit, Ben Jacobs, Junior Rasolea, Nick Cummins, Sias Ebersohn, Alby Mathewson, Ben McCalman, Chris Alcock, MATT HODGSON (C), Hugh McMeniman, Sam Wykes, Kieran Longbottom, James Hilterbrand, Pek Cowan BENCH: Ben Whittaker, Salesi Ma’afu, Toby Lynn, Richard Brown, Brett Sheehan, Sam Norton-Knight, Sam Christie

SCORERS T: Hodgson, McCalman, Rasolea C: Hayward (3)

Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Ian Prior, BEN MOWEN (C), Colby Faingaa, Peter Kimlin, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio BENCH: Siliva Siliva, Ruan Smith, Fotu Auelua, George Smith, Robbie Coleman, Andrew Smith, Mark Swanepoel

SCORERS T: Kuridrani, Fardy C: Leali'ifano P: Leali'ifano

Referee:  Rohan Hoffman

 

 

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CRUSADERS 25 - 17 HURRICANES

AMI Stadium, Addington Christchurch - Friday 12 July 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 13-5

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, KIERAN READ (C), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Tom Donnelly, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett BENCH: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Jimmy Tupou, Luke Whitelock, Willi Heinz, Tyler Bleyendaal, Telusa Veainu

SCORERS T: Guildford, Ellis, Marshall C: Carter (2) P: Carter (2)

Hurricanes: Hurricanes: James Marshall, Alapati Leiua/Matt Proctor, CONRAD SMITH (C), Reynold Lee-Lo, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Brad Shields, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Ben May, Ash Dixon, Ben Franks BENCH: Reggie Goodes, John Schwalger, Blade Thomson, Faifili Levave, Chris Smylie, Ope Peleseuma, Proctor/Andre Taylor

SCORERS T: Vito Shields, Savea C: Taylor

Referee:  Glen Jackson

 

BLUES 16 - 26 CHIEFS

Eden Park Auckland - Saturday 13 July 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 13-13

Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, Lolagi Visinia, Baden Kerr, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili / Brendon O'Connor, Luke Braid, Kane Barrett, ALI WILLIAMS (C), Anthony Boric, Angus Ta'avao, Keven Mealamu, Sam Prattley BENCH: James Parsons, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Liaki Moli, Brendon O'Connor / Sean Polwart, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jackson Willison, Marty McKenzie

SCORERS T: Piutau C: Kerr P: Kerr (3) Kerr Barrett

Chiefs: Andrew Horrell, Lelia Masaga, Tim Nanai-Williams, Bundee Aki, Robbie Robinson, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Matt Vant Leven, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, CRAIG CLARKE (C), Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith BENCH: Mahonri Schwalger, Pauliasi Manu, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Gareth Anscombe, Asaeli Tikoirotuma

SCORERS T: Aki, Elliot, Tameifuna (2) P: Cruden, Anscombe

Referee:  Chris Pollock

 

 

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SHARKS 58 - 13 KINGS

Kings Park, Durban - Saturday 13 July 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 26-13

Sharks: Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Louis Ludik, Meyer Bosman, Lwazi Mvovo, Riaan Viljoen, Charl McLeod, KEEGAN DANIEL (C), Jean Deysel, Marcell Coetzee, Franco van der Merwe, Edwin Hewitt, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira BENCH: Kyle Cooper, Wiehahn Herbst, Jandre Marais, Willem Alberts, Jacques Botes, Cobus Reinach, Fred Zeilinga

SCORERS T: Coetzee, BW du Plessis, Ndungane, PT, Viljoen, Mtawarira, Ludik, Daniel, Zeilinga, Bosman C: Bosman (4)

Kings: Siviwe Soyizwapi, Marcello Sampson, Waylon Murray, Shane Gates, Hadleigh Parkes, George Whitehead, Nicolas Vergallo, Charl du Plessis, Hannes Franklin, Kevin Buys, Devin Oosthuizen, STEVEN SYKES (C), David Bulbring, Mpho Mbiyozo, Jacques Engelbrecht BENCH: Grant Kemp, Bandise Maku, Darron Nell, Thabo Mamojele, Aidon Davis, Shaun Venter, Michael Killian

SCORERS T: Whitehead, Mbiyozo P: Whitehead Oosthuizen, Parkes

Referee:  Jonathan Kaplan

 

STORMERS 30 - 13 BULLS

DHL Newlands Stadium, Cape Town - Saturday 13 July 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 23-13

Stormers: Gio Aplon, Gerhard van den Heever, Juan de Jongh, JEAN DE VILLIERS (C), Bryan Habana, Gary van Aswegen, Louis Schreuder, Nizaam Carr, Rynhard Elstadt, Deon Fourie, De Kock Steenkamp, Eben Etzebeth, Brok Harris, Siyabonga Ntubeni, Steven Kitshoff BENCH: Martin Bezuidenhout, Pat Cilliers, Gerbrandt Grobler, Don Armand, Nick Groom, Elton Jantjies, Damian de Allende

SCORERS T: Etzebeth, Habana, de Villiers C: van Aswegen (3) P: van Aswegen (3) Bezuidenhout, de Villiers

Bulls: Zane Kirchner, Akona Ndungane, JJ Engelbrecht, Francois Venter, Bjorn Basson, Morne Steyn, Jano Vermaak, DEWALD POTGIETER (C), Jacques Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Grant Hattingh, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling BENCH: Callie Visagie, Frik Kirsten, Morne Mellett, Jacques Du Plessis, Jonathan Ross, Rudy Paige, Jurgen Visser

SCORERS T: Kirchner C: Steyn P: Steyn (2)

Referee:  Craig Joubert

 

 

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CRUSADERS 43 - 15 CHIEFS

AMI Stadium, Addington Christchurch - 05 July 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 19-8

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, KIERAN READ (C), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett BENCH: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Tom Donnelly, Luke Whitelock, Willi Heinz, Tyler Bleyendaal, Telusa Veainu

SCORERS T: Read (2), Dagg, Crotty, Bleyendaal C: Carter (3), P: Carter (4)

Chiefs: Robbie Robinson, Patrick Osborne, Charlie Ngatai, Bundee Aki, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Matt Vant Leven, Sam Cane, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, CRAIG CLARKE (C), Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu BENCH: Mahonri Schwalger, Ben Afeaki, Michael Fitzgerald, Tanerau Latimer, Augustine Pulu, Andrew Horrell, Tim Nanai-Williams

SCORERS T: Tikoirotuma, Ngatai C: Horrell P: Cruden

Referee: Jonathon White

 

HURRICANES 44 - 49 HIGHLANDERS

Westpac Stadium, Wellington - 06 July 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 13-32

Hurricanes: James Marshall, Alapati Leiua, CONRAD SMITH (C), Reynold Lee-Lo, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Faifili Levave, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Ben May, Ash Dixon, Ben Franks BENCH: Reggie Goodes, John Schwalger, Mark Reddish, Brad Shields, Jack Lam, Chris Smylie, Matt Proctor

SCORERS T: Dixon, Franks, Savea, Smylie, Broadhurst C: Barrett (5) P: Barrett (3)

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Shaun Treeby, Tamati Ellison, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, Mose Tuiali'i, Elliot Dixon, TJ Ioane, Josh Bekhuis, BRAD THORN (C), Ma'afu Fia, Liam Coltman, Tony Woodcock BENCH: Andrew Hore, Bronson Murray, Jake Paringatai, Joe Wheeler, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Buxton Popoalii

SCORERS T: Tuiali'i, Ellison, Aaron Smith, Poki, Gear, Dixon C: Slade (3), Parker (2) P: Slade (3) YC Aaron Smith, Murray

Referee: Mike Fraser

 

 

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CHEETAHS 34 - 13 BLUES

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - 06 July 2013
KO: 14:50 HT: 19-10

Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Willie le Roux, Johann Sadie, Robert Ebersohn, Raymond Rhule, Riaan Smit, Piet van Zyl, Philip van der Walt, Lappies Labuschagne, Heinrich Brussow, Ligtoring Landman, Lodewyk de Jager, Lourens Adriaanse, ADRIAAN STRAUSS (C), Coenie Oosthuizen BENCH: Ryno Barnes, Trevor Nyakane, Waltie Vermeulen, Boom Prinsloo, Sarel Pretorius, Elgar Watts, Ryno Benjamin

SCORERS T: van der Walt, Pretorius, Prinsloo C: Smit (2) P: Smith (5)

Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Jackson Willison, Francis Saili, Rene Ranger, Baden Kerr, Jamison Gibson-Park, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, ALI WILLIAMS (C), Anthony Boric, Angus Ta'avao, James Parsons, Sam Prattley BENCH: Keven Mealamu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Culum Retallick, Brendon O'Connor, Wayne Ngaluafe, Marty McKenzie, George Moala

SCORERS T: Gibson-Park C: Kerr P: Kerr (2)

Referee: Jaco Peyper

 

SOUTHERN KINGS 12 - 24 STORMERS

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, PE - 06 July 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 9-11

Kings: SP Marais, Marcello Sampson, Ronnie Cooke, ANDRIES STRAUSS (C), Michael Killian, Demetri Catrakilis, Shaun Venter, Schalk Ferreira, Bandise Maku, Kevin Buys, Cornell du Preez, Darron Nell, David Bulbring, Wimpie van der Walt, Jacques Engelbrecht BENCH: Grant Kemp, Hannes Franklin, Steven Sykes, Devin Oosthuizen, Nicolas Vergallo, George Whitehead, Shane Gates

SCORERS P: Catrakilis (4) YC Kemp

Stormers: Joe Pietersen, Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Damian de Allende, Bryan Habana, Elton Jantjies, Louis Schreuder, Nizaam Carr, Don Armand, DEON FOURIE (C), De Kock Steenkamp, Eben Etzebeth, Brok Harris, Siyabonga Ntubeni, Steven Kitshoff BENCH: Martin Bezuidenhout, Pat Cilliers, Gerbrandt Grobler, Rynhardt Elstadt, Nick Groom, Gary Van Aswegen, Gerhard van den Heever

SCORERS T: Fourie (2) C: Jantjies P: Jantjies (3), Pietersen

Referee: Lourens van der Merwe

 

BULLS 20 - 19 SHARKS

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria - 06 July 2013
KO: 19:15 HT: 13-8

Bulls: Zane Kirchner,, Akona Ndungane, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein, Bjorn Basson, Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard, DEWALD POTGIETER (C), Jacques Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Grant Hattingh, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling BENCH: Callie Visagie, Frik Kirsten, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Jono Ross, Jano Vermaak, Jurgen Visser, Morne Mellett

SCORERS T: Basson, Vermaak C: Steyn (2) P: Steyn (2)

Sharks: Riaan Viljoen, Odwa Ndungane, Louis Ludik, Butch James, Lwazi Mvovo, Patrick Lambie, Charl McLeod, KEEGAN DANIEL (C), Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee, Franco van der Merwe, Edwin Hewitt, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira BENCH: Kyle Cooper, Wiehahn Herbst, Jandre Marais, Jean Deysel, Jacques Botes, Cobus Reinach, Jaco van Tonder

SCORERS T: Lambie, Ndungane P: Lambie (3) YC James, Bismarck du Plessis

Referee: Jason Jaftha

 

 

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CHIEFS 34 - 22 HURRICANES

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton - Friday 28 June 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 17-15

Chiefs: Robbie Robinson, Lelia Masaga, Tim Nanai-Williams, Bundee Aki, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Matt Vant Leven, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, CRAIG CLARKE (C), Ben Afeaki, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu BENCH: Mahonri Schwalger, Ben Tameifuna, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Andrew Horrell, Charlie Ngatai

SCORERS T: Vant Leven, Aki, Kerr-Barlow, Tameifuna C: Cruden (4) P: Cruden (2)

Hurricanes: James Marshall, Matt Proctor, Conrad Smith, Reynold Lee-Lo, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Brad Shields, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Ben May, Dane Coles, Ben Franks BENCH: Ash Dixon, Reggie Goodes, Mark Reddish, Faifili Levave/Blade Thomson, Chris Smylie, Tusi Pisi, Alapati Leiua

SCORERS T: Perenara, Barrett, Leiua C: Barrett (2) P: Barrett

Referee: Garratt Williamson

 

HIGHLANDERS 12 - 40 CRUSADERS

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin - Saturday 29 June 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 7-8

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Tamati Ellison, Shaun Treeby, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Fumiaki Tanaka, Mose Tuiali'i, Elliot Dixon, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn, Ma'afu Fia, ANDREW HORE (C), Tony Woodcock BENCH: Liam Coltman, Bronson Murray, Jake Paringatai, TJ Ioane, Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Ma'a Nonu

SCORERS T: Ben Smith, Gear C: Slade Hoeata Nonu

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, GEORGE WHITELOCK (C), Sam Whitelock, Tom Donnelly, Nepo Laulala, Ben Funnell, Joe Moody BENCH: Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett, Luke Romano, Kieran Read, Willi Heinz, Robbie Fruean, Adam Whitelock

SCORERS T: George Whitelock, Ellis, Carter, Veainu C: Carter (4) P: Carter (4) Flynn

Referee: Steve Walsh

 

 

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SHARKS 22 - 20 BLUES

Kings Park, Durban - Saturday 29 June 2013
KO: 14:50 HT: 17-5

Sharks: Riaan Viljoen, Odwa Ndungane, Louis Ludik, Butch James, Lwazi Mvovo, Patrick Lambie, Charl McLeod, KEEGAN DANIEL (C), Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee, Franco van der Merwe, Edwin Hewitt, Jannie du Plessis, Kyle Cooper, Tendai Mtawarira BENCH: Bismarck du Plessis, Danie Mienie, Jandre Marais, Jean Deysel, Jacques Botes, Cobus Reinach, Jaco van Tonder

SCORERS T: Coetzee, McLeod, Viljeon C: Lambie (2) P: Lambie

Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Jackson Willison, Francis Saili, George Moala, Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, ALI WILLIAMS (C), Anthony Boric, Angus Ta'avao, James Parsons, Tim Perry BENCH: Keven Mealamu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Kane Barrett / Culum Retallick, Brendon O'Connor, Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr, Rene Ranger

SCORERS T: Halai (2), Ranger C: Noakes P: Kerr

Referee: Jaco Peyper

 

BULLS 48 - 18 KINGS

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria - Saturday 29 June 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 31-13

Bulls: Zane Kirchner, Akona Ndungane, Jan Serfontein, Wynand Olivier, Bjorn Basson, Louis Fouche, Francois Hougaard, DEWALD POTGIETER (C), Jacques Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Grant Hattingh, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling BENCH: Willie Wepener, Frik Kirsten, Juandre Kruger, Jono Ross, Rudy Paige, Morne Steyn, JJ Engelbrecht

SCORERS T: Fouche, Ralapelle, Serfontein, Hougaard, Jaques Potgeiter, Stegmann C: Fouche, Steyn (5) P: Steyn (2)

Kings: SP Marais, Marcello Sampson, Ronnie Cooke, ANDRIES STRAUSS (C), Michael Killian, Demetri Catrakilis, Shaun Venter, Schalk Ferreira, Bandise Maku, Kevin Buys, Cornell du Preez, Darron Nell, David Bulbring, Wimpie van der Walt, Jacques Engelbrecht BENCH: Grant Kemp, Hannes Franklin, Rynier Bernardo, Devin Oosthuizen, Nicolas Vergallo, George Whitehead, Shane Gates

SCORERS T: van der Walt (2) C: Catrakilis P: Catrakilis (2)

Referee: Lourens van der Merwe

 

STORMERS 28 - 3 CHEETAHS

DHL Newlands Stadium, Cape Town - Saturday 29 June 2013
KO: 19:15 HT: 10-17

Stormers: Joe Pietersen, Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Damian de Allende, Bryan Habana, Elton Jantjies, Louis Schreuder, Nizaam Carr, DEON FOURIE (C), Siya Kolisi, De Kock Steenkamp, Eben Etzebeth, Brok Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg, Steven Kitshoff BENCH: Scarra Ntubeni, Ross Geldenhuys, Gerbrandt Grobler, Don Armand, Dewaldt Duvenage, Gary van Aswegen, Gerhard van den Heever

SCORERS T: Fourie, Kolisi, Habana C: Pietersen (2) P: Pietersen (3)

Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Willie le Roux, Johann Sadie, Robert Ebersohn, Raymond Rhule, Riaan Smit, Piet van Zyl, Philip van der Walt, Lappies Labuschagne, Heinrich Brussow, Ligtoring Landman, Lood de Jager, Lourens Adriaanse, ADRIAAN STRAUSS (C), Coenie Oosthuizen BENCH: Ryno Barnes, Trevor Nyakane, Waltie Vermeulen, Boom Prinsloo, Sarel Pretorius, Elgar Watts, Howard Mnisi

SCORERS P: Smit

Referee: Stuart Berry

 

 

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BRUMBIES 39 - 17 MELBOURNE REBELS

Canberra Stadium, Canberra - Friday 07 June 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 10-3

The RaboDirect Rebels went down to the Brumbies, on a cold Friday evening in Canberra.

With the British & Irish Lions on Australian soil, both sides featured plenty of new faces with many of their stars on Qantas Wallaby duty. For the Rebels, Nick Phipps and James O'Connor were both training with the national side, and Shota Horie with the Japanese team. Kurtley Beale remained unavailable for selection, while Scott Higginbotham, Hugh Pyle, Bryce Hegarty and Jarrod Saffy were absent due to injury.

In just the third minute, the Brumbies combined after Peter Kimlin broke the line to travel 70 metres as a team and score one of the tries of the season through Scott Sio, though Jesse Mogg was unable to convert the try.

And less than 10 minutes later the hosts were in again. Good work from Scott Fardy culminated in former Wallaby Clyde Rathbone diving over in the far left hand corner, and while Mogg's conversion attempt was again unsuccessful, the visitors were victims of a tough opening on their travels.

A year out of Super Rugby had done nothing to diminish Hilgendorf's confidence, with a clever chip kick early almost resulting in a try to Lachie Mitchell, and Jason Woodward slotted a penalty goal just after the twenty minute mark to reduce the deficit to seven points as the Rebels began to look more settled in the nation's capital.

Reid's speed to the breakdown was a highlight, as was Delve's tenacity, but with Mogg and Matt Toomua kicking so well in play the Rebels were unable to capitalise on multiple phases and they went in at the break down 10-3.

It took just 2 minutes after play resumed for Mogg to extend the lead when he slotted a long-range penalty goal, but against the run of play the Rebels scored their first try of the evening when Woodward capitalised on an error forced by a massive Neville tackle on his own goal line.

The Rebels went the length of the field, and when Woodward was dragged down a fantastic offload to Tom English enabled the young winger to score his third Super Rugby try under the posts unopposed, with Woodward slotting the extras.

But the Brumbies were determined to make their early second-half domination amount to scoreboard pressure, and hit back instantly when Toomua's fantastic cut-out pass set up Rathbone for his second try, though replacement scrumhalf Ian Prior dragged the conversion attempt wide.

And the Brumbies had their fourth try, and the subsequent bonus point, when Henry Speight dissected Woodward and Stirzaker and swan dived over following an unbelievable Peter Kimlin offload; this time Prior made no mistake with the kick.

Faingaa was the next to score a converted try, and Zac Holmes did minutes later; the Brumbies were certainly showing their depth and championship credentials.

But to the visitor's credit, Paul Alo-Emile managed to cross over for his first Super Rugby try following concerted pressure and repeated pick and drives. Woodward drilled the kick to add some respectability to the score, and when the hooter sounded the final score was 39-17.

Cameo appearances from Burgess, Alo-Emile and Leafa had shown real promise, but an injury to Mitchell further soured a disappointing loss.

Brumbies: 15 Jesse Mogg 14 Henry Speight 13 Tevita Kuridrani 12 Pat McCabe 11 Clyde Rathbone 10 Matt Toomua 9 NIC WHITE (C) 1 Scott Sio 2 Siliva Siliva 3 Dan Palmer 4 Leon Power 5 Sam Carter 6 Scott Fardy 7 Colby Faingaa 8 Peter Kimlin BENCH: 16 Josh Mann-Rea 17 Ruan Smith 18 Etienne Oosthuizen 19 Jordan Smiler 20 Ian Prior 21 Robbie Coleman 22 Zack Holmes

SCORERS T: English Alo-Emile C: Woodward (2) P: Woodward

Rebels: 15 Jason Woodward 14 Tom English 13 Mitch Inman 12 Rory Sidey 11 Lachlan Mitchell 10 James Hilgendorf 9 Nic Stirzaker 1 Nic Henderson 2 Ged Robinson 3 Laurie Weeks 4 Cadeyrn Neville 5 Luke Jones 6 Jordy Reid 7 Scott Fuglistaller 8 GARETH DELVE (C) BENCH: 16 Pat Leafa 17 Paul Alo-Emile 18 James King 19 Tim Davidson 20 Luke Burgess 21 Angus Roberts 22 Kimami Sitauti

SCORERS T: Sio, Rathbone, Speight, Faingaa, Holmes C: Prior (3) P: Mogg

Referee: Rohan Hoffmann

 

 

 

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  FORCE 13 - 28 WARATAHS

NIB Stadium, Perth - Sunday 09 June 2013
KO: 14:05 HT: 8-22

In a big show of courage, an inexperienced HSBC Waratahs squad has out-enthused a seasoned Force outfit to record a 28-13 away win in Perth.

In the absence of 10 Wallabies and seven injured players, first-time Waratahs captain Tom Carter led a new-look side to an invincible 22-8 half time lead, before holding on to maintain NSW’s unbeaten record in Perth.

Although inexperienced, the Waratahs showed no sign of nerves, turning in a strong opening 10 minutes to cross for two early tries. The first came after just 7 minutes when debutant lock Ollie Atkins powered over to convert 15 phases of pressure into some early points, before Cam Crawford added another within a minute of the restart, after a slick backline move created an overlap for the winger to cross in the corner. Brendan McKibbin’s conversions helped the Tahs to a 14-3 lead.

A McKibbin penalty extended the gap to 14 on 19 minutes, before the Force scored a try of their own when captain Pek Cowan picked up from the base of a ruck and dived over from a metre out. But determined to maintain their advantage, the visitors hit straight back and within minutes, a TMO decision ratified outside centre Tom Kingston’s try-scoring effort and the lead was restored to 14 points with 25 minutes on the clock.

A sustained period of Force pressure followed but a heroic defensive effort from the Tahs pack kept the home side from crossing the whitewash. Despite barely touching the ball in the closing 10 minutes, the Waratahs refused to give in to the repeated waves of Force attack, saving four close-range attempts from lineout driven mauls and resolutely sending the Force back into the Sheds at half-time, empty-handed.

As they returned to the field, both sides remained determined to make the play, but the slippery conditions hindered their efforts and neither side was able to build any pressure.

As the third quarter approached, a Force attacking scrum resulted in a yellow card for Tahs No. 8 Jed Holloway, as the young backrower was penalised for playing the ball in the scrumhalf’s hands at the base of a ruck. Despite being a man down, the visitors still managed to play themselves out of danger. Escaping their 22, they mounted an attack of their own but when Betham was forced into touch, a quick Force lineout allowed flyhalf Sion Ebersohn to make a half-break, before sending centre Kyle Godwin in for a try from 50m.

With the difference reduced to 9 points, the Force’s costly conversion miss was further punished when McKibbin kicked his second penalty to give his side a two-score advantage. Still searching for their fourth bonus-point try, NSW welcomed fresh legs in the form of debutants Liam Winton and Adam Coleman, and replacement scrumhalf Matt Lucas. Another decent break from the evasive Betham brought a penalty which stand-in kicker Bernard Foley duly slotted. With just 5 minutes remaining, Head Coach Michael Cheika emptied his bench, allowing Richard Aho and Terrence Hepetema to earn their debuts, and throwing Ben Volavola into the mix to chase a try but also to and gain valuable Super Rugby experience ahead of next weekend’s massive clash with the British & Irish Lions.

In one final surge, the Waratahs mounted a 15-phase raid that kept them on the attack well after the final whistle. A great bit of pace and dexterity looked to have brought the welcome fourth try but after a long deliberation, the TMO ruled that Betham had lost control of the ball just before grounding it and being rolled into touch. But the decision did little to take the shine off an emphatic Tahs victory.

Waratahs: 15 Drew Mitchell 14 Cam Crawford 13 Tom Kingston 12 TOM CARTER (C) 11 Peter Betham 10 Bernard Foley 9 Brendan McKibbin 1 Jeremy Tilse 2 John Ulugia 3 Paddy Ryan 4 Will Skelton 5 Ollie Atkins 6 Lopeti Timani 7 AJ Gilbert 8 Jed Holloway BENCH: 16 Luke Holmes 17 Richard Aho 18 Adam Coleman (Parramatta) 19 Liam Winton 20 Matt Lucas 21 Ben Volavola 22 Terrence Hepetema

SCORERS T: Atkins, Crawford, Kingston C: McKibbin (2)

Force: 15 Jayden Hayward 14 Patrick Dellit 13 Ben Jacobs 12 Kyle Godwin 11 Junior Rasolea 10 Sias Ebersohn 9 Alby Mathewson 1 PEK COWAN (C) 2 Heath Tessmann 3 Kieran Longbottom 4 Rory Walton 5 Sam Wykes 6 Hugh McMeniman 7 Chris Alcock 8 Angus Cottrell BENCH: 16 James Hilterbrand 17 Salesi Ma’afu 18 Toby Lynn 19 Matt Hodgson 20 Brett Sheehan 21 Ed Stubbs 22 Sam Norton-Knight

SCORERS T: Cowan, Godwin C: Hayward Holloway

Referee: Angus Gardiner

 

 

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BRUMBIES 30 - 23 HURRICANES

Canberra Stadium, Canberra - 31 May 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 14-10

A Man of the Match performance from flanker Colby Faingaa and some never-say-die goal-line defence has highlighted a nail-biting win for the University of Canberra Brumbies over the Hurricanes at Canberra Stadium on Friday night, 30-23. 

Faingaa was outstanding from first ruck to last, turning the ball over on multiple occasions and providing plenty of clean service for scrumhalf Nic White. Along with Faingaa, White controlled the game beautifully and gave Wallabies selectors plenty to think about. Tries to White and Peter Kimlin, as well as six penalties and a conversion from sharp-shooter Christian Lealiifano, put the result out of reach for the visiting Hurricanes. 

Planning on the Canberra rain all week, the Brumbies set out for field position and kicked their way into Hurricanes territory early in the match. A Hurricanes line-out provided the Brumbies with the first try of the match after hooker Dane Cole overthrew to the back where White scooped the scraps for his second five-pointer in as many weeks. 

The Hurricanes answered with a try to inside-centre Reynold Lee-Lo, but with Lealiifano firing threes from the boot the Brumbies took a 14-10 lead into the break. 

With more penalties following in the second half and a draught breaking try to evergreen flanker Peter Kimlin, the Brumbies blew the score out to 30-16 with 20 minutes to play. 

But the Hurricanes fought back with a try to TJ Perenara, throwing the match open for a thrilling finish. The Hurricanes threw everything at the Brumbies for the final 10 minutes, earning six straight penalties and plenty of momentum but could not crack the defence or the lead.

Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Joseph Tomane, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ben Mowen (C), Colby Faingaa, Peter Kimlin, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio BENCH: Siliva Siliva, Ruan-Henry Smith, Fotu Auelua, Jordan Smiler, Ian Prior, Robbie Coleman, Clyde Rathbone

SCORERS T: White, Kimlin C: Lealiifano P: Lealiifano (6)

Hurricanes: Andre Taylor, Alapati Leiua, Conrad Smith, Reynold Lee-Lo, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito (C), Jack Lam, Brad Shields, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Ben May, Dane Coles, Ben Franks BENCH: Ash Dixon, Reggie Goodes, Mark Reddish, Faifili Levave, Chris Smylie, Tusi Pisi, James Marshall

SCORERS T: Lee-Lo, Perenara C: Barrett (2) P: Barrett (3)

Referee: Jaco Peyper

 

 

REDS 33 - 20 MELBOURNE REBELS

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane - 01 June 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 13-17

The Queensland Reds extended their unbeaten record with a thrilling 33-20 Super Rugby bonus-point victory over the Melbourne Rebels, with tries to Luke Morahan, Jake Schatz, Quade Cooper and Ben Lucas giving the Queenslanders a valuable four-try bonus point.

It was also crucial to the Reds final chances ahead of next weekend’s scheduled bye, where they will pocket a further four competition points, and has them in a strong position before their final regular season fixture against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on July 13.

Saturday’s Super Rugby fixture was a special event for Queensland Rugby with it being their second annual Indigenous Round match, which as part of National Reconciliation Week, provides an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous culture and heritage on an international stage.

The result was the second straight Indigenous Round win by the Reds after overcoming the Highlanders in 2012 but it was not all one-way traffic with the home side needing to dig deep against a Rebels team coming off victories over the Stormers and Waratahs.

The Rebels were first on the scoreboard through flyhalf James O’Connor but there was plenty to like from the Reds early both in attack and defence with prop James Slipper welcoming Scott Higginbotham back to Suncorp Stadium with a shuddering try-saving tackle soon before Morahan twice found space and came close to scoring down the left sideline.

The Reds found themselves down a man when Beau Robinson was yellow carded and the Rebels responded by camping themselves deep inside Queensland territory but came away with no reward.

The Rebels attacked through their set-piece for large portions of the 10 minutes that Robinson was off the field but after a gutsy defensive stand it was Morahan who changed the complexion of the match when he latched onto a misguided pass to score a long-range intercept try.

Robinson returned shortly after but it was the visitors who struck back twice from charged-down kicks to go into halftime ahead 17-13.

Down by 7 points midway through the second half the Reds were rewarded for rejecting a penalty attempt when an 11-man driving maul powered its way over to bring the margin to 20-18.

The injection of hooker Saia Faingaa and flanker Liam Gill from the bench lifted the Reds and only minutes later it was Cooper who was successful with his second penalty goal of the evening, giving the home side a one point lead with 15 minutes remaining.

Cooper produced another piece of magic to score the Reds third try of the evening and in his return from injury Harris made no mistake with the sideline conversion to give Queensland a 28-20 advantage.

The Reds pushed for their fourth try and it came when Lucas scored untouched in the final moments of the match, ending Queensland’s final home regular season Super Rugby match of 2013 on a high.

Reds: Ben Lucas, Rod Davies, Ben Tapuai, Anthony Faingaa, Luke Morahan, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Beau Robinson, Ed Quirk, James Horwill (C), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, James Hanson, Greg Holmes BENCH: Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley, Ed O'Donoghue, Radike Samo, Liam Gill, Nick Frisby, Mike Harris

SCORERS T: Morahan, Schatz, Cooper, Lucas C: Cooper, Harris P: Cooper (2) DG: Cooper YC Robinson

Rebels: Jason Woodward, Tom English, Mitch Inman, Rory Sidey, Lachlan Mitchell, James O'Connor, Nick Phipps, Scott Higginbotham (C), Scott Fuglistaller, Jarrod Saffy, Luke Jones, Hugh Pyle, Laurie Weeks, Ged Robinson, Nic Henderson BENCH: Shota Horie, Paul Alo-Emile, Cadeyrn Neville, Gareth Delve, Nic Stirzaker, Bryce Hegarty, Kimami Sitauti

SCORERS T: Fuglistaller, Sidey C: O’Connor (2) P: O’Connor

Referee: James Leckie

 

 

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CRUSADERS 23 - 22 WARATAHS

AMI Stadium, Addington Christchurch - 31 May 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 10-15

After the HSBC Waratahs produced their best 40 minutes of rugby to score three tries in 25 minutes, a second-half Crusaders fightback put the Tahs to the sword and deprived them of a historic Christchurch victory.

An early penalty from scrumhalf Brendan McKibbin gave them the lead on six minutes and started what was to be an excellent half for the visitors.  After enjoying close to 70% of the first quarter possession, their aggressive defence and strong continuity in attack was rewarded when winger Cam Crawford crossed for the first try of the game shortly after the 20 minute mark. McKibbin’s conversion briefly extended his side’s lead to 10-0, before flyhalf Dan Carter got the home side on to the scoreboard with a 23rd minute penalty.

Carter had the chance to further close the gap four minutes later but his long-range effort drifted left of the posts, opening the door for the Tahs offensive to continue.  And continue it did, with a perfectly executed lineout play sending Michael Hooper clean through the Crusaders’ midfield defence and allowing the flanker to show his pace, going around Israel Dagg before offloading to Peter Betham for the winger to wrestle his way out of a double tackle and dive over in the left-hand corner.

McKibbin went close with the touchline conversion but in an attempt to salvage something from the first half, the Crusaders surged, earning a penalty on the Tahs line and battering the defence in a desperate attempt to nail some points.  After gaining no advantage in 20 phases, referee Glen Jackson called play back for the original Crusaders’ penalty in front of the posts.  A quickly-taken Carter tap allowed hooker Corey Flynn to scoop up the ball and slide over from a metre out.  Carter’s conversion sent the teams in with just 5 points the difference.

With the arrival of giant Tahs lock Will Skelton and the replacement of Crusaders’ captain Kieran Read, who failed to return to the field after taking a knock late in the first half, Michael Cheika’s men ramped up the pressure.  A third Waratahs’ try came just four minutes later, when skipper Dave Dennis intercepted the ball and set off on a lengthy gallop before delivering the scoring pass to the supporting Foley. McKibbin’s conversion gave his side an impressive 22-10 lead with just 45 minutes played, but a converted try from a driving maul saw the Crusaders go into the final 20 minutes just 5 points off the pace. 

Another Carter penalty set up a thrilling final 10 minutes, with just 2 points separating the sides going into the closing phases. With Dennis off and a new halfback combination of Matt Lucas and Berrick Barnes on and other changes at prop and wing, the Waratahs struggled to regain the upper hand going into the final quarter.  When the home side were awarded a 73rd minute penalty, Carter made no mistake, kicking the Crusaders into the lead for the first time in the game. 

Although the visitors salvaged one last chance to nail the win, Barnes’ last-gasp penalty effort sailed to the right of the posts, allowing the Crusaders to extend their unbeaten run against the Waratahs to 11 Super Rugby matches.

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Willi Heinz, Kieran Read (C), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Luke Romano, Nepo Laulala, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett BENCH: 16 Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Jimmy Tupou, Luke Whitelock, Andy Ellis, Robbie Fruean, Adam Whitelock

SCORERS T: Flynn, Todd C: Carter (2) P: Carter (3)

Waratahs: Israel Folau, Cam Crawford, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Peter Betham, Bernard Foley, Brendan McKibbin, Dave Dennis (C), Michael Hooper, Patrick McCutcheon, Kane Douglas, Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, John Ulugia, Benn Robinson BENCH: Luke Holmes, Paddy Ryan, Will Skelton, Jed Holloway, Matt Lucas, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell

SCORERS T: Crawford, Betham, Foley C: McKibbin (2) P: McKibbin

Referee: Glen Jackson

 

 

HIGHLANDERS 38- 28 BLUES

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin - 01 June 2013
KO: 10:35 HT: 29-7

The Blues produced a spirited late fight back but it was not enough to atone for a dismal first half as they sunk to a 38-28 defeat to the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday night.

It was one way traffic at Forsyth Barr Stadium in the first half as the Highlanders put a horror season behind them, racking up the four try bonus point after just half an hour as their exciting backs cut the lacklustre Blues to ribbons. 

Down 29-7 at the break and with the game all but gone, the Blues showed plenty of courage and commitment to claw their way back into the game, outscoring the home side by 21-10 in the second half, but it proved too much of a hill to climb as they suffered their third consecutive defeat.

It just was not the Blues night. From botched restarts, missed tackles or dubious refereeing decisions, they just could not buy a trick in the first half. The Blues rarely managed to find their way out of their own half, and when they eventually did they simply coughed it up and handed it back to the hosts on a silver platter.

After some concerted pressure fullback Ben Smith snuck through a gap to open the scoring, and matters were made worse when star All Black halfback Piri Weepu left the field after 14 minutes with concussion.

When play resumed first five-eighths Colin Slade added another 3 points with a penalty kick before Tamati Ellison got on the outside of Rene Ranger to crash over for the Highlanders’ second try. 

Ben Smith was in sensational form for the Highlanders and scored the home side’s third try, before France-bound Hosea Gear collected the bonus point try as he sliced through some non-existent defence after 32 minutes. 

The Blues finally hit back on the stroke of halftime through wing Waisake Naholo who scored a superb individual try, but two Slade penalties in the second half, one a sterling effort from the halfway line, soon nullified it.

Sir John Kirwan’s men tried valiantly to fight their way back into the match in the second stanza and had some reward when Luke Braid ran a great line to burst through the Highlanders’ defence and offloaded to Rene Ranger for the try.

Frank Halai and Naholo then came close to scoring, before the hard-working Steven Luatua fought his way over the line on the 65 minute mark.

The Blues’ fight was no more present than in the final minute of the game, when Piutau showed fantastic skill to break out of his own half and race down field, before Luke Braid crashed over on fulltime to add some respectability to the scoreboard.

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Trent Renata, Tamati Ellison, Shaun Treeby, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Fumiaki Tanaka, Mose Tuiali'i, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn, Ma'afu Fia, Andrew Hore (C), Jamie Mackintosh BENCH: Liam Coltman, Bronson Murray, Elliot Dixon, TJ Ioane, Aaron Smith, Hayden Parker, Ma'a Nonu

SCORERS T: Ben Smith (2), Ellison, Gear C: Slade (3) P: Slade (3), Parker Mackintosh

Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, Waisake Naholo, Baden Kerr, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, Ali Williams (C), Anthony Boric, Angus Ta'avao, James Parsons, Tim Perry BENCH: Keven Mealamu, Sam Prattley, Culum Retallick, Brendon O'Connor, Jamison Gibson-Park, Marty McKenzie, Jackson Willison

SCORERS T: Naholo, Ranger, Luatua, Braid C: Kerr (4)

Referee: Jonathon White

 

 

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The Vodacom Bulls firmed their grip on the top position of the South African conference on Saturday by beating closet rivals, the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday, while the DHL Stormers kept their outside change of a play-off spot alive with a bruising win over the Southern Kings on a drenched DHL Newlands pitch in Cape Town.

The other South African team, The Sharks, enjoyed a bye.

In Bloemfontein, a rampant Bulls display in the first 60 minutes of their clash against the Toyota Cheetahs, who could have moved past their northern foes with a bonus point win, secured the win at a lively Free State Stadium, where 32 220 spectators rocked up for this highly anticipated derby clash.

The Bulls at one stage held a 30-17 lead and a late comeback by the home side deservedly got them a bonus point for getting within 7 points of the winning score. The bonus point helped the Cheetahs to move into fifth on the overall log, past the Crusaders, who also have 46 log points.

The DHL Stormers, are in the next group of chasers along with The Sharks (both have 38 log points), the Hurricanes (39), Waratahs (40) and Blues (43) and will hope the three week break the competition has due to the international incoming tours will give them the energy needed  to muster one final effort towards the play-off line.

Their clash against the Southern Kings was a dour affair, compounded by the wet DHL Newlands pitch and atrocious playing conditions as the Western Cape battles a succession of cold fronts.

Two tries from driving mauls by each outfit confirmed the playing options to the two sides, who both needed bonus points.

STORMERS 19 - 11 KINGS

DHL Newlands Stadium, Cape Town - 01 June 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 6-3

The DHL Stormers ended any talk or speculation about relegation from Vodacom Super Rugby by systematically squeezing the life out of the Southern Kings en route to a 19-11 win at a drenched Newlands on Saturday.

The game was fairly close on the scoreboard for most of the way, but then it was always going to be on a sodden field after long periods of torrential downpours earlier in the day.

What was required to win was a strong tight-phase platform and a good kicking game, and that was what the Stormers provided.

They drove strongly in the early stages, which was when they established a bridgehead against their neighbours from Port Elizabeth, with two penalties in the first 10 minutes propelling the hosts into a 6-0 lead that was valuable in the conditions.

As the match progressed so the Kings began to find their feet and fight their way back into it. George Whitehead kicked a penalty after a quarter of an hour to close the deficit to 3 points, and that was how it stayed until halftime. Whitehead started at flyhalf for the Kings as first choice Demetri Catrakilis was forced to withdraw at the 11th hour with a calf injury.

Considering the conditions, both teams deserve credit for how they tried to play, but the driving maul was always going to be the most likely source of profit when it came to try-scoring. And that was how it proved, with the Stormers effectively wrapping up the match with a quarter of an hour remaining as Deon Fourie dotted down off a rare drive that the Kings could not cope with.

Full marks to the Kings for again showing the character and fighting spirit that has been the hallmark of their play this season. Wimpie van der Walt dotted down off a drive after 73 minutes, and then they stormed straight back onto the attack and were camping on the Stormers' line in the last minutes of the game.

Stormers: Joe Pietersen, Gio Aplon, Jean de Villiers (C), Damian de Allende, Bryan Habana, Elton Jantjies, Louis Schreuder, Nizaam Carr, Deon Fourie, Siya Kolisi, De Kock Steenkamp, Eben Etzebeth, Brok Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg, Steven Kitshoff BENCH: Martin Bezuidenhout, Chris Heiberg, Gerbrandt Grobler, Don Armand, Dewaldt Duvenage, Gary Van Aswegen, Gerhard van den Heever

SCORERS T: Fourie C: Pietersen P: Pietersen (4)

Kings: SP Marais, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Ronnie Cooke, Andries Strauss (C), Marcello Sampson, Demetri Catrakilis, Nicolas Vergallo, Jacques Engelbrecht, Wimpie van der Walt, Cornell du Preez, David Bulbring, Darron Nell, Kevin Buys, Bandise Maku, Schalk Ferreira BENCH: Hannes Franklin, Grant Kemp, Rynier Bernado, Devin Oosthuizen, Shaun Venter, Shane Gates, George Whitehead

SCORERS T: van der Walt P: Whitehead (2)

Referee: Craig Joubert

 

 

CHEETAHS 25 - 30 BULLS

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - 01 June 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 10-17

The Vodacom Bulls kept up their unbeaten record against the Toyota Cheetahs, winning a thrilling game 30-25 in Bloemfontein on Saturday night. The victory set up the Bulls perfectly to win the South African conference, and with three games left in the Vodacom Super Rugby competition, they will go into the June break knowing they are on track to grab a home semifinal.

But on a night where the Bulls dominated everything beyond the scrum, their finishing was off-key and had they converted many of their chances they would have won a lot more comfortably.

They had to endure a late comeback from the home side, as two tries were awarded by TMO decisions to give the Cheetahs a bonus point at the end.

The Bulls signalled their intent early, and after stealing the Cheetahs lineout early on, a chip and chase by Bjorn Basson saw JJ Engelbrecht dotting down, only for TMO Gerrie Coetzee to rule a knock on.

It did not matter much, because with the possession the Bulls had it was not long before they were on the board, with two waves of attack setting up the move before Chiliboy Ralepelle burst through and then Werner Kruger went over.

The Cheetahs hit straight back as Willie le Roux chipped over the defence in trademark style and collected to score, giving the 32322 crowd much to cheer about. But after that the Bulls took control, although their finishing was much to be desired.

When they did get it right, as with the lineout drive that led to their second try, it almost looked too easy.

A great take at the setpiece set up Deon Stegmann, who surged over with Arno Botha’s help to put the Bulls 14-7 up. Morné Steyn managed to keep his side in front as penalties were swopped, but the Bulls would have felt disappointed as they went 17-10 in the lead at the break.

Steyn’s slow poison took control of the game in the second half, and although he missed one kick, two more successful penalties gave the Bulls a controlling 23-10 lead. They sealed the game when Jan Serfontein broke through and popped a pass to Engelbrecht, who unloaded to Dewald Potgieter, who in turn sent Jano Vermaak away for the try.

At 30-10 up, the game was sealed, and all that was really in question was whether or not the Bulls would get a bonus point try. But as happens so often between these two sides, the Cheetahs staged a comeback.

Both sides will enjoy the break now and regroup at the end of June, knowing that they both have a realistic chance, but that the Bulls, by virtue of winning this game, are likely to end as conference winners.

Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Willie Le Roux, Johann Sadie, Robert Ebersohn, Raymond Rhule, Elgar Watts, Piet van Zyl, Philip Van der Walt, Pieter Labuschagne, Heinrich Brussow, Francois Uys, Lodewyk de Jager, Lourens Adriaanse, Adriaan Strauss (C), Coenie Oosthuizen BENCH: Ryno Barnes, Trevor Nyakane, Rynard Landman, Boom Prinsloo, Sarel Pretorius, Riaan Smit, Rayno Benjamin

SCORERS T: le Roux, Smit, Nyakane C: Smit (2) P: Smit (2)

Bulls: Jurgen Visser, Lionel Mapoe, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein, Bjorn Basson, Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard, Pierre Spies (C), Arno Botha, Deon Stegmann, Juandre Kruger, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling BENCH: Callie Visagie, Frik Kirsten, Grant Hattingh, Dewald Potgieter, Jano Vermaak, Louis Fouche, Zane Kirchner

SCORERS T: W Kruger (8), Stegmann (17), Vermaak (62) C: Steyn (3) P: Steyn (3)

Referee: Jason Jaftha

 

 

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MELBOURNE REBELS 24 - 22 WARATAHS

AAMI Park, Melbourne - Friday 24 May 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 13-16

Rebels: Jason Woodward, Tom English, Mitch Inman, Rory Sidey, Lachlan Mitchell, Bryce Hegarty, Nick Phipps, Scott Higginbotham (C), Scott Fuglistaller, Jarrod Saffy, Luke Jones, Hugh Pyle, Laurie Weeks, Ged Robinson, Nic Henderson BENCH: Shota Horie, Paul Alo-Emile, Cadeyrn Neville, Gareth Delve, Nick Stirzaker, James Hilgendorf, Kimami Sitauti

SCORERS T: English (2) C: Woodward P: Woodward (4)

Waratahs: Israel Folau, Peter Betham, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Bernard Foley, Matt Lucas, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis (C), Kane Douglas, Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, John Ulugia, Benn Robinson BENCH: Luke Holmes, Paddy Ryan, Will Skelton, Mitchell Chapman, Brendan McKibbin, Rob Horne, Tom Kingston

SCORERS T: Folau C: Barnes P: Barnes (4), McKibbin

Referee: Garratt Williamson

 

FORCE 19 - 18 HIGHLANDERS

NIB Stadium, Perth - Saturday 25 May 2013
KO: 17:40 HT: 10-6

Force: 15 Jayden Hayward 14 Patrick Dellit 13 Ben Jacobs 12 Kyle Godwin 11 Nick Cummins 10 Sias Ebersohn 9 Alby Mathewson 1 Pek Cowan 2 Heath Tessmann 3 Kieran Longbottom 4 Toby Lynn 5 Sam Wykes 6 Matt Hodgson (C) 7 Chris Alcock 8 Ben McCalman BENCH: 16 James Hilterbrand 17 Tetera Faulkner 18 Rory Walton 19 Richard Brown 20 Brett Sheehan 21 Junior Rasolea 22 Sam Norton-Knight

SCORERS T: Ebersohn C: Hayward P: Hayward (4) Mathewson

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Jason Emery, Tamati Ellison, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Hayden Parker, Aaron Smith, Mose Tuiali'i, John Hardie, TJ Ioane, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn (C), Ma'afu Fia, Liam Coltman, Tony Woodcock BENCH: Andrew Hore, Bronson Murray, Joe Wheeler, Elliot Dixon, Fumiaki Tanaka, Colin Slade, Tino Nemani/Trent Renata

SCORERS P: Parker (2), Slade (4)

Referee: Andrew Lees

 

 

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CHIEFS 28 - 19 CRUSADERS

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton - Friday 24 May 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 15-13

Chiefs: Robbie Robinson, Patrick Osborne, Charlie Ngatai, Bundee Aki, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Matt Vant Leven, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (C), Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu BENCH: Mahonri Schwalger, Toby Smith, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Dan Waenga, Lelia Masaga

SCORERS T: Cruden, Clarke, Aki C: Cruden (2) P: Cruden (3)

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (C), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Nepo Laulala, Code Taylor, Wyatt Crockett BENCH: Ben Funnell /Laurence Corlett, Joe Moody, Dominic Bird, Luke Whitelock, Willi Heinz, Robbie Fruean, Telusa Veianu

SCORERS T: Todd C: Tom Taylor P: Tom Taylor (4)

Referee: Steve Walsh

 

BLUES 13 - 20 BRUMBIES

Eden Park Auckland - Saturday 25 May 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 0-14

Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, George Moala, Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Brendon O'Connor, Ali Williams, Culum Retallick, Angus Ta'avao/Sam Prattley, Keven Mealamu (C), Tim Perry BENCH: James Parsons, Prattley/Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Anthony Boric, Kane Barrett, Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr, Jackson Willison

SCORERS T: Ranger C: Noakes P: Noakes, Kerr

Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ben Mowen (C), Colby Faingaa, Peter Kimlin, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio BENCH: Siliva Siliva, Ruan Smith, Fotu Auelua, Jordan Smiler, Ian Prior, Robbie Coleman, Clyde Rathbone

SCORERS T: White P: Lealiifano (5)

Referee: Lourens van der Merwe

 

 

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SOUTHERN KINGS 22 - 34 CHEETAHS

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, PE - Saturday 25 May 2013
KO: 15:00 HT: 12-13

Kings: SP Marais, Marcello Sampson, Ronnie Cooke, Andries Strauss (C), Siyanda Grey, Demetri Catrakilis, Shaun Venter, Cornell Du Preez, Luke Watson, Wimpie van der Walt, David Bulbring, Steven Sykes, Kevin Buys, Bandise Maku, Schalk Ferreira BENCH: Virgile Lacombe, Grant Kemp, Rynier Bernardo, Jacques Engelbrecht, Nicolas Vergallo, Shane Gates, George Whitehead

SCORERS T: Vergallo C: Whitehead P: Catrakilis (5)

Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Ryno Benjamin, Johan Sadie, Robert Ebersohn, Willie le Roux, Elgar Watts, Piet van Zyl, Phillip van der Walt, Lappies Labuschagne, Heinrich Brussow, Francois Uys, Lodewyk de Jager, Lourens Adriaanse, Adriaan Strauss (C), Coenie Oosthuisen BENCH: Ryno Barnes, Trevor Nyakane, Landman Ligtoring, Boom Prinsloo, Sarel Pretorius, Riaan Smit, Raymond Rhule

SCORERS T: Sadie (2), van Zyl, le Roux C: Watts (4) P: Watts (2)

Referee: Stuart Berry

 

STORMERS 20 - 15 REDS

DHL Newlands Stadium, Cape Town - Saturday 25 May 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 3-0

Stormers: Joe Pietersen, Gio Aplon, Jean de Villiers (C), Damian de Allende, Bryan Habana, Elton Jantjies, Louis Schreuder, Nizaam Carr, Don Armand, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Gerbrandt Grobler, Brok Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg, Steven Kitshoff BENCH: Martin Bezuidenhout, Chris Heiberg, Marius Coetzer, Rohan Kitshoff, Dewaldt Duvenage, Gary Van Aswegen, Gerhard van den Heever

SCORERS T: de Villiers P: Pietersen (5)

Reds: Jono Lance, Rod Davies, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Anthony Faingaa, Luke Morahan, Quade Cooper, Will Genia (C), Radike Samo, Liam Gill, Jake Schatz, James Horwill, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Greg Holmes BENCH: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Ed O'Donaghue, Ed Quirk, Beau Robinson, Ben Lucas, Ben Tapuai

SCORERS P: Cooper (5)

Referee: Jaco Peyper

 

 SHARKS 16 - 18 BULLS

Kings Park, Durban - Saturday 25 May 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 3-9

Sharks: Riaan Viljoen, Odwa Ndungane, Piet Lindeque, Meyer Bosman, Lwazi Mvovo, Patrick Lambie, Charl McLeod, Keegan Daniel (C), Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee, Franco van der Merwe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jannie du Plessis, Kyle Cooper, Tendai Mtawarira BENCH: Monde Hadebe, Wiehahn Herbst, Jandre Marais, Jean Deysel, Lubabalo Mtembu, Tian Meyer, Sean Robinson

SCORERS T: McLeod C: Lambie P: Lambie (3) van der Merwe

Bulls: Jurgen Visser, Akona Ndungane, JJ Engelbrecht, Wynand Olivier, Bjorn Basson, Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard, Pierre Spies (C), Dewald Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Juandré Kruger, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling BENCH: Callie Visagie, Frik Kirsten, Grant Hattingh, Arno Botha, Jano Vermaak, Louis Fouche, Lionel Mapoe

SCORERS P: Steyn (6) Basson

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan

 

 

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FORCE 13 - 23 SHARKS

NIB Stadium, Perth - Friday 17 May 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 10-7

SCORERS T: Godwin C: Hayward P: Hayward (2)

SCORERS T: Daniel, Viljoen C: Lambie (2) P: Lambie (3)

Referee: James Leckie

 

MELBOURNE REBELS 30 - 21 STORMERS

AAMI Park, Melbourne - Friday 17 May 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 13-14

SCORERS T: Higginbotham, Pyle, PT C: Woodward (3) P: Woodward (3)

SCORERS T: Schreuder, Habana, Bekker C: Pietersen (3) Bezuidenhout

Referee: Mike Fraser

 

WARATAHS 28 - 22 BRUMBIES

ANZ Stadium, Sydney - Saturday 18 May 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 6-13

SCORERS T: Hooper, Barnes, Betham C: Barnes (2) P: McKibbin (2), Barnes

SCORERS T: Mowen, Kuridani P: Lealiifano, Mogg (3) Kuridani

Referee: Steve Walsh

 

 

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HURRICANES 12 - 17 CHIEFS

Westpac Stadium, Wellington - Friday 17 May 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 9-12

SCORERS P: Barrett (4)

SCORERS T: Latimer P: Cruden (4) Tameifuna

Referee: Lourens van der Merwe

 

CRUSADERS 23 - 3 BLUES

AMI Stadium, Addington Christchurch - Saturday 18 May 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 13-3

SCORERS T: Crotty, Franks C: Tom Taylor (2) P: Tom Taylor (3)

SCORERS P: Noakes Retallick

Referee: Glen Jackson

 

 

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BULLS 35 - 18 HIGHLANDERS

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria - Saturday 18 May 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 23-6

SCORERS T: Englebrecht, Ndungane, Spies, Vermaak C: Steyn (3) P: Steyn (3)

SCORERS T: Tanaka, Ellison C: Parker P:  Slade (2) Nemani, King

Referee: Jaco Peyper

 

CHEETAHS 27 - 13 REDS

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Saturday 18 May 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 18-6

SCORERS T: van Zyl C: Watts P: Watts (5)

SCORERS T: Lucas C: Cooper P: Cooper (2)

Referee: Craig Joubert

 

 

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REDS 32 - 17 SHARKS

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane - 10 May 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 29-3

Reds: Jonathan Lance, Rod Davies, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Anthony Faingaa, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia (C), Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Ed Quirk, Ed O'Donoghue, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Greg Holmes BENCH: James Hanson, Albert Anae, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Jarrad Butler, Beau Robinson, Ben Lucas, Ben Tapuai

SCORERS T: Saia Faingaa, Davies (2), Anthony Faingaa C: Cooper (3) P: Cooper (2)

Sharks: Riaan Viljoen, Piet Lindeque, JP Pietersen, Meyer Bosman, Lwazi Mvovo, Patrick Lambie, Charl McLeod, Keegan Daniel (C), Jean Deysel, Marcell Coetzee, Franco van der Merwe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Wiehahn Herbst, Kyle Cooper, JC Janse van Rensburg BENCH: Monde Hadebe, Jannie du Plessis, Anton Bresler, Derick Minnie, Willem Alberts, Tian Meyer, Odwa Ndungane

SCORERS T: Lindeque, Minnie C: Lambie (2) P: Lambie

Referee: Glen Jackson

 

 

WARATAHS 21 - 15 STORMERS

Allianz Stadium, Sydney - 11 May 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 8-3

Waratahs: Israel Folau, Cam Crawford, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Peter Betham, Bernard Foley, Brendan McKibbin, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis (C), Kane Douglas, Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson BENCH: John Ulugia, Paddy Ryan, Mitchell Chapman, Patrick McCutcheon, Matt Lucas, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell

SCORERS T: Crawford, Folau C: Barnes P: McKibbin (2), Barnes

Stormers: Joe Pietersen, Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers (C), Bryan Habana, Gary Van Aswegen, Dewaldt Duvenage, Duane Vermeulen, Rynhardt Elstadt, Siya Kolisi, Andries Bekker, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Deon Fourie, Steven Kitshoff BENCH: Siyabonga Ntubeni, Pat Cilliers, Don Armand, Nizaam Carr, Louis Schreuder, Elton Jantjies, Gerhard van den Heever

SCORERS P: Pietersen (5)

Referee: Chris Pollock

 

 

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CHIEFS 22 - 21 FORCE

ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe - 10 May 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 19-11

Chiefs: Robbie Robinson, Lelia Masaga, Savenaca Tokula, Bundee Aki, Patrick Osborne, Gareth Anscombe, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Matt Vant- Leven, Sam Cane, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (C), Ben Afeaki, Hikawera Elliott, Toby Smith BENCH: Mahonri Schwalger, Ben Tameifuna, Michael Fitzgerald, Tanerau Latimer, Augustine Pulu, Aaron Cruden, Asaeli Tikoirotuma

SCORERS T: Masaga C: Cruden P: Cruden (5)

Force: Jayden Hayward, Patrick Dellit, Ben Jacobs, Kyle Godwin, Nick Cummins, Sias Ebersohn, Brett Sheehan, Ben McCalman, Chris Alcock, Matt Hodgson (C), Sam Wykes, Toby Lynn, Kieran Longbottom, Heath Tessmann, Pek Cowan BENCH: James Hilterbrand, Tetera Faulkner, Rory Walton, Richard Brown, Alby Mathewson, Junior Rasolea, Sam Norton-Knight

SCORERS T: Dellit (2) C: Hayward P: Hayward (3) Longbottom

Referee: Mike Fraser

 

 

BLUES 36 - 32 MELBOURNE REBELS

Eden Park Auckland - 11 May 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 29-10

Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, George Moala, Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Brendon O'Connor, Steven Luatua, Ali Williams (C), Anthony Boric, Angus Ta'avao, Quentin MacDonald, Tim Perry BENCH: Gafatasi Su'a, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ronald Raaymakers, Luke Braid, Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr, Lolagi Visinia

SCORERS T: Halai (3), Francis Saili (2), Ranger C: Noakes (2), Kerr

Rebels: Jason Woodward, Tom English, Mitch Inman, Lachie Mitchell, Cooper Vuna, James O'Connor, Nick Phipps, Scott Higginbotham (C), Scott Fuglistaller, Jarrod Saffy, Cadeyrn Neville, Hugh Pyle, Laurie Weeks, Shota Horie, Nic Henderson BENCH: Ged Robinson, Paul Alo-Emile, Luke Jones, Gareth Delve, Nic Stirzaker, Angus Roberts, Bryce Hegarty

SCORERS  T: Inman (2), Higginbotham, Mitchell, Woodward C: Woodward (2) P: Woodward

Referee: Garratt Williamson

 

 

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CHEETAHS 34 - 39 HURRICANES

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - 10 May 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 12-12

Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Willie Le Roux, Johann Sadie, Robert Ebersohn, Raymond Rhule, Burton Francis, Piet van Zyl, Philip Van der Walt, Frans Viljoen, Heinrich Brussow, Francois Uys, Lodewyk de Jager, Lourens Adriaanse, Adriaan Strauss (C), Coenie Oosthuizen BENCH: Ryno Barnes, Trevor Nyakane, Rynard Landman, Boom Prinsloo, Sarel Pretorius, Elgar Watts, Rayno Benjamin

SCORERS T: Oosthuizen (2), Ebersohn C: Watt (2) P: Francis (4), Watts Ebersohn

Hurricanes: Andre Taylor/James Marshall, Alapati Leiua, Reynold Lee-Lo, Tim Bateman, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito (C), Jack Lam/Karl Lowe, Faifili Levave, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Ben May, Ash Dixon, Ben Franks BENCH: Reggie Goodes, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, James Broadhurst, Brad Shields, Chris Smylie, Tusi Pisi, James Marshall/Karl Lowe

SCORERS  T: Barrett, Savea, Perenara, Vito C: Barrett (2) P: Barrett (5)

Referee: Stuart Berry

 

 

SOUTHERN KINGS 34 - 27 HIGHLANDERS

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, PE - 11 May 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 20-17

Kings: George Whitehead, Marcello Sampson, Ronnie Cooke, Andries Strauss, Siyanda Grey, Demetri Catrakilis, Shaun Venter, Cornell du Preez, Luke Watson (C), Wimpie van der Walt, David Bulbring, Steven Sykes, Kevin Buys, Bandise Maku, Schalk Ferreira BENCH: Virgile Lacombe, Grant Kemp, Daniel Adongo, Devin Oosthuizen, Nicolas Vergallo, Shane Gates, SP Marais

SCORERS T: Watson (2), du Preez, Venter C: Catrakilis (4) P: Catrakilis (2)

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Tino Nemani, Tamati Ellison, Shaun Treeby, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, TJ Ioane, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn, Chris King, Andrew Hore (C), Tony Woodcock BENCH: Liam Coltman, Ma'afu Fia, Mose Tuiali'i, Joe Wheeler, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Jason Emery

SCORERS T: Slade, Thorn, Treeby, Gear C: Slade (2) P: Slade Ellison

Referee: Jason Jaftha

 

 

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MELBOURNE REBELS 33 - 39 CHIEFS

AAMI Park, Melbourne - Friday 03 May 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 14-24

FOLLOWING last week's narrow defeat to the Crusaders, the RaboDirect Rebels returned home to host 2012 Super 15 champions the Chiefs at AAMI Park.

The Chiefs’ Gareth Anscombe took the former just 54 seconds to score the first try of the game, though he was unable to land the conversion.

Tom English, who was making just his second start for the Rebels after an impressive run-on debut in Christchurch, made sure his opponents knew who he was with a big hit to force an early turnover for the home side. But it was one of few positives in the opening 10 minutes as Bundee Aki bundled over for the visitor's second try in the 9th minute, with Anscombe easily converting to make it 12-0.

The Rebels were determined to find a way back into the match, however, and went close minutes later after a break from Hugh Pyle got them deep into opposition territory.

They could not be denied in the 14th minute, when openside Jarrod Saffy showed his destructive abilities to break right through the guts of the Chiefs' defence. Saffy released Scott Higginbotham, and when he drew three defenders and laid it off for English, the young winger was able to reciprocate and pass back for Higginbotham to touch down. The TMO was called upon to check the validity of the try, but it was awarded and James O'Connor slotted the kick.

Higginbotham had been at the heart of everything for the Rebels, but Anscombe was doing the same for the Chiefs and it was no surprise when he scored his second of the evening out wide in the 20th minute. He launched a superb conversion attempt from out wide, and then secured a hat trick of tries in the 26th minute as the game threatened to turn into a blowout, with the Chiefs leading 24-7 with half an hour gone.

Yet again, however, the Rebels refused to lie down. Rory Sidey was looking dangerous at second receiver and the interplay between himself and O'Connor almost led to Jason Woodward crashing over.

And it was Hugh Pyle who scored his third try of the season just before half time, which O'Connor converted. Although the Rebels pushed hard and Laurie Weeks forced a turnover with a huge tackle, they were unable to add to the score as the visitors led 24-14 at the break.

It was a nervy beginning to the second half from both sides. Sam Cane crashed over for his third Super 15 try after 50 minutes; the Rebels had held on resolutely to hold the Chiefs up over the try line, but from the resulting scrum a great one-handed offload from Chiefs' captain Craig Clarke released the flanker.

It was towering lock Pyle who snagged his second of the evening, with the conversion good, but when Anscombe responded with a penalty goal the Rebels' equation was simple; score two converted tries to win the game.

Nick Phipps got his side closer to that target when he scored following exceptional play between O'Connor and Beale; the TMO again had a look for a forward pass, but the try was awarded and the bonus point secured. O'Connor was unable to add the extras.

And unfortunately for the Rebels flyhalf, who like last week had really stepped up following half time, his misfortune did not end there; a clearance kick moments later was charged down by Clarke for the simplest of tries.

There was still time for Beale to show exactly what the fans had been missing though, when he perfectly dissected the Chiefs' defence through clever angled running and touched down. And although Anscombe appeared to have put the result beyond doubt with his fourth try, the TMO thought otherwise and with 2 minutes left the game of cat and mouse continued with the Rebels on the charge and the crowd noise incredible.

Cooper Vuna beat all but one man as he charged down the left, and despite a huge number of pick and gos the Rebels were left agonisingly short yet again, going down 39-33 with two bonus points as consolation.

Rebels: Jason Woodward, Tom English, Mitch Inman, Rory Sidey, Cooper Vuna, James O`Connor, Nick Phipps, Scott Higginbotham (C), Scott Fuglistaller, Jarrod Saffy, Cadeyrn Neville, Hugh Pyle, Laurie Weeks, Ged Robinson, Nic Henderson BENCH: Shota Horie, Paul Alo-Emile, Luke Jones, Gareth Delve, Nick Stirzaker, Kurtley Beale, Lachlan Mitchell

SCORERS T: Higginbotham, Pyle (2), Phipps, Beale C: O'Connor (4)

Chiefs: Gareth Anscombe, Lelia Masaga, Tim Nanai-Williams, Bundee Aki, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Brendon Leonard, Matt Vant Leven, Sam Cane, Liam Messam (co-C), Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (co-C), Ben Tameifuna, Mahonri Schwalger, Pauliasi Manu Matt Vant Leven BENCH: Hika Elliot, Toby Smith, Michael Fitzgerald, Tanerau Latimer, Augustine Pulu, Robbie Robinson, Patrick Osborne

SCORERS T: Anscombe (3), Aki, Cane, Retallick C: Anscombe (3) P: Anscombe

Referee: Garratt Williamson

 

FORCE 11 - 11 REDS

NIB Stadium, Perth - Saturday 04 May 2013
KO: 17:40 HT: 6-3

THE St.George Queensland Reds recorded their second draw of the 2013 Super Rugby season following a tight 11-all defensive battle against the Western Force in Perth.

The one try apiece result was dominated by defence although the Reds threw plenty of attack at the home side and spent large portions of the match inside the Force’s defensive 22-metre area without much reward on the scoreboard.

The Force led 11-3 heading into the final quarter of the Round 12 Australian Conference derby but the Reds showed plenty of character to fight back with flyhalf Quade Cooper kicking his second penalty goal of the night before Feauai-Sautia tied the scores in the 73rd minute with a powerful finish near the right sideline.

It was a tense final 7 minutes with both teams enjoying opportunities inside their opponent’s half although neither team’s defence would budge with the game ending in a stalemate after the Reds final attacking raid came to an end when scrumhalf Will Genia was tackled over the sideline.

Winger Digby Ioane joined Genia in producing a standout performance although Genia said the team needed to improve on capitalising on their opportunities.

The Reds appeared to be first on the scoreboard when Ioane touched down in the left hand corner but a TMO decision ruled the winger’s toe had marginally brushed the sideline as he placed the ball across the line.

The Reds dominated territory and possession during the opening 15 minutes without any reward although there were positive signs with Jake Schatz, Dom Shipperley, Cooper and Genia all finding space behind the Force’s defensive line.

However, it was the home side who were first on the scoreboard with a string of early penalties giving the Force a 6-0 lead courtesy of two Sias Ebersohn penalty goals. Ioane sparked the Reds with a linebreak deep in his own half and following a penalty four phases later, Cooper got Queensland on the scoreboard with his long range attempt.

Ioane again got the Reds on the front foot for their next attacking raid but despite huge pressure were not able to crack the Force’s defence with the home side going into the sheds at halftime ahead 6-3.

The Reds commenced the second half with the same attacking intent but it was the Force who scored the game’s opening try when they capitalised on a turnover to run the length of the field before No.8 Ben McCalman crashed over.

The Reds narrowed the margin to 11-6 following a Cooper penalty goal while the Reds bench, including the return of Beau Robinson for the first time in 2013, provided a strong impact in the closing stages before replacement Feauai-Sautia grabbed his late five-pointer.

Force: Sam Norton-Knight, Patrick Dellit, Ben Jacobs, Kyle Godwin, Nick Cummins, Sias Ebersohn, Alby Mathewson, Ben McCalman, Chris Alcock, Matt Hodgson (C), Sam Wykes, Toby Lynn, Kieran Longbottom, Heath Tessmann, Pek Cowan BENCH: James Hilterbrand, Tetera Faulkner, Rory Walton, Richard Brown, Brett Sheehan, Junior Rosolea, Jayden Hayward

SCORERS T: McCalman P: Ebersohn (2)

Reds: Jono Lance, Dom Shipperley, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Ed Quirk, James Horwill (C), Rob Simmons, Greg Holmes, Saia Faingaa, Albert Anae BENCH: James Hanson, James Slipper, Ed O'Donoghue, Beau Robinson, Ben Lucas, Chris Feauai-Sautia

SCORERS T: Feauai-Sautia P: Cooper (2)

Referee: Rohan Hoffman

 

BRUMBIES 23 - 30 CRUSADERS

Canberra Stadium, Canberra - Sunday 05 May 2013
KO: 16:05 HT: 10-10

THE University of Canberra Brumbies salvaged a single-bonus point after going down 30-23 against the Crusaders on Sunday.

The Crusaders were strong in defence and took advantage of a series of turnovers the Brumbies produced to score three tries to two. Dan Carter packed his kicking boots and landed six from six, most from the sideline. The loss was the University of Canberra Brumbies first at home in 2013 and second of the year.

The match started with a series of kicking exchanges, with neither team prepared to play out of their own half. With the Crusaders on the attack, the Brumbies managed to score 10 points against the run of play.

Flyhalf Matt Toomua swooped on a Carter ball to dart 70 meters and score untouched, but it would be the only break the Brumbies would make for the opening 40 minutes. By halftime the Crusaders had maintained constant pressure and a whopping 74 per cent of possession.

Long range shots at goal from Jesse Mogg and Nic White fell short and when Andy Ellis darted over from the back of a disintegrated scrum, the scores were locked at 10-10 as the siren sounded for halftime.

Looking more energised after the break, the Brumbies found themselves in good field position with an opportunity to sneak in front. But more mistakes led to turnovers and the Crusaders went from coast to coast on two occasions as Israel Dagg and Zac Guildford cemented a commanding lead, 30-13.

A penalty to Christian Lealiifano and comeback try to Captain and Man of the Match, Ben Mowen, gave the home side a sniff. But ultimately they’d left their run too late with the Crusaders holding tight for a seven point win.

Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ben Mowen (C), George Smith, Fotu Auelua, Sam Carter, Peter Kimlin, Dan Palmer, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander BENCH: Siliva Siliva, Scott Sio, Leon Power, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Pat McCabe, Robbie Coleman

SCORERS T: Toomua, Mowen C: Lealiifano, Toomua P: Lealiifano (3)

Crusaders: Tom Taylor, Tom Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, George Whitelock (C), Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett BENCH: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Dominic Bird, Jordan Taufua, Willi Heinz, Adam Whitelock, Israel Dagg

SCORERS T: Ellis, Guildford, Dagg C: Carter (3) P: Carter (3)

Referee: Craig Joubert

 

 

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BLUES 18 - 17 STORMERS

North Harbour Stadium - Friday 03 May 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 9-3

TWO superb second half tries by Springbok captain Jean de Villiers was not enough as the Stormers lost to the Blues by 18-17 at the North Harbour Stadium in Albany on Friday.

The Capetonians had an opportunity to snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat in injury time, but after numerous phases inside the Blues’ half, an attempted drop goal by Elton Jantjies did not hit the target and the Aucklanders could celebrate a good win.

It was not an easy attempt for Jantjies, but when the decision was taken to go for the drop, it was pretty clear that the Blues were not going to commit a penalisable offence within striking distance of their posts.

In the end, the Stormers’ handling, decision making discipline – Chris Noakes slotted six penalty goals for all of the Blues’ points – cost them. Their defence was yet again top notch, but it was not enough.

De Villiers showed some great touches. First he put his midfield-partner Juan de Jongh away with a great short pass, followed up and eventually crashed over for the first try of the match.

Then the Springbok skipper broke an attempted tackle with a good, straight and hard run before he out-sprinted the Blues’ defence for his second try.

Joe Pietersen’s seven points saw him move past 100 season points for the Stormers for the first time ever. He finished 2012 on 97 and 2010 on 86 points respectively.

Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Francis Saili, Jackson Willison, Rene Ranger, Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, Ali Williams (C), Culum Retallick, Angus Ta'avao, Keven Mealamu, Tom McCartney BENCH: Quentin MacDonald, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Anthony Boric, Brendon O'Connor, Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr, Lolagi Visinia

SCORERS P: Noakes (6)

Stormers: Joe Pietersen, Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers  (C), Bryan Habana, Gary van Aswegen, Dewaldt Duvenage, Duane Vermeulen, Rynhardt Elstadt, Siya Kolisi, Andries Bekker, De Kock Steenkamp, Frans Malherbe, Deon Fourie, Steven Kitshoff BENCH: Scarra Ntubeni, Pat Cilliers, Eben Etzebeth, Nizaam Carr, Louis Schreuder, Elton Jantjies, Damian de Allende

SCORERS T: de Villiers (2) C: Pietersen (2) P: Pietersen

Referee: Glen Jackson

 

HIGHLANDERS 25 - 22 SHARKS

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin - Saturday 04 May 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 7-15

THE Highlanders finally got on the board this season as they erased a half-time deficit to beat The Sharks by 25-22 at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday.

The KwaZulu-Natalians launched a frenzied attack right at the end of the match, but the Highlanders’ defence and discipline held firm as The Sharks lost their fourth successive match.

It was not all doom and gloom for The Sharks though. They played pretty decent rugby at times and scored three very good tries, but a number of lapses in concentration early in second half, too many unforced errors and bad discipline cost them.

Two early second half tries by the Highlanders’ Aaron Smith and Colin Slade, as well as two penalty goals by Slade put the home team back in the lead, which they never relinquished.

Meyer Bosman scored two tries for The Sharks, and also had a hand in Lwazi Mvovo’s sublime five-pointer late in the first half, which helped the visitors from Durban go into the break ahead by 15-7.

Frans Steyn, who played in his 50th Super Rugby match, put Bosman away for his first try with a good short pass. Later in the first half, Bosman caught a sharp little chip by Pat Lambie with one hand before feeding the speeding Mvovo for the visitors’ second try.

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Phil Burleigh, Tamati Ellison, Shaun Treeby, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, TJ Ioane, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn, Chris King, Andrew Hore (C), Tony Woodcock BENCH: Liam Coltman, Ma'afu Fia, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Jason Emery

SCORERS T: Treeby, Aaron Smith, Slade C: Slade (2) P: Slade (2)

Sharks: Riaan Viljoen, JP Pietersen, Francois Steyn, Meyer Bosman, Lwazi Mvovo, Patrick Lambie, Charl McLeod, Lubabalo Mtembu, Marcell Coetzee, Keegan Daniel (C), Franco van der Merwe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jannie du Plessis, Kyle Cooper, Wiehahn Herbst BENCH: Craig Burden, JC Janse van Rensburg, Anton Bresler, Jean Deysel, Tian Meyer, Piet Lindeque, Odwa Ndungane

SCORERS T: Bosman (2), Mvovo C: Lambie (2) P: Lambie Pietersen

Referee: Steve Walsh

 

 

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THE Vodacom Bulls recorded their 100th Vodacom Super Rugby victory in some style and consolidated their position at the top of the SA Conference on a weekend where their countrymen struggled.

The three-time champions from Pretoria took the Hurricanes apart at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening, after the DHL Stormers, The Sharks and the Southern Kings came up short against Australasian opposition.

The men from Pretoria were full value for their 48-14 win over the ‘Canes as they scored six tries to two. It was a polished performance by the three-time champions, who will enjoy their second bye next weekend.

On Friday morning, the DHL Stormers scored two tries to nil, but conceded far too many kickable penalties as they lost to the Blues by 18-17 in Albany.

The Sharks, on Saturday morning in Dunedin, became the first team to lose to the Highlanders in 2013 when they went down 25-22 in a match where the side from KwaZulu-Natal scored three very good tries.

And on Saturday afternoon, the Southern Kings got taught a bit of a rugby lesson by the Waratahs, who set a number of records in their 72-10 drubbing of the team from Port Elizabeth.

It was the only victory for the Australians this weekend – the Rebels and Brumbies lost at home to Kiwi teams, while the Reds and Force drew in Perth.

Along with the Vodacom Bulls, the Toyota Cheetahs, thanks to their four bye-points, opened up a bit of a gap on the DHL Stormers and The Sharks in the SA Conference.

KINGS 10 - 72 WARATAHS

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, PE - Saturday 04 May 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 10-46

THE Southern Kings had no answers for the Waratahs’ superb attacking play as they lost their first match of the season against a team from Australia, after beating the Force and the Rebels and drawing with the Brumbies earlier in 2013.

The Waratahs won by 72-10 – the biggest ever victory for an Australian team in South Africa – and had their fourth try in the bag after only 18 minutes.

The only real highlight for the Kings was Sergeal Petersen’s intercept try at the end of the first half, but apart from that it was a disappointing day for the home team. They looked lethargic on defence, made a slew of unnecessary errors when they got the ball and simply never got going.

Not only was it the biggest win of the season, but their 11 tries were also the most in one match in 2013. The previous season records both belonged to The Sharks, who scored 10 tries in their 64-7 win over the Rebels.

This win was the third biggest ever by an Australian team over one from South Africa. The two biggest Aussie wins over South African teams were recorded by the Brumbies – in 2000 they beat the Cats by 64-0 and in 1999 they beat the Bulls by 73-9.

Kings: George Whitehead, Sergeal Petersen, Ronnie Cooke, Andries Strauss (C), Siyanda Grey, Demetri Catrakilis, Shaun Venter, Jacques Engelbrecht, Wimpie van der Walt, Cornell du Preez, Rynier Bernardo, Steven Sykes, Kevin Buys, Bandise Maku, Schalk Ferreira BENCH: Virgile Lacombe, Grant Kemp, David Bulbring, Luke Watson, Nicolas Vergallo, Waylon Murray, Siviwe Soyizwapi

SCORERS T: Petersen C: Catrakilis P: Catrakilis

Waratahs: Israel Folau, Cam Crawford, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Peter Betham, Bernard Foley, Brendan McKibbin, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis (C), Kane Douglas, Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson BENCH: John Ulugia, Paddy Ryan, Will Skelton, Mitchell Chapman, Patrick McCutcheon, Matt Lucas, Ben Volavola

SCORERS T: Crawford (3), Folau, Douglas, Hooper, Betham (2), Dennis, Volavola, Kingston C: McKibbin (5), Lucas (2) P: McKibbin

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan

 

BULLS 48 - 14 HURRICANES

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria - Saturday 04 May 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 27-0

THE Bulls delivered a polished performance as they beat the Hurricanes by 48-14 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday evening to consolidate their position at the top of the South African Conference.

It was the Bulls’ biggest ever win over the Hurricanes and their second-biggest over any team from New Zealand (the biggest was when they beat the Chiefs by 61-17 in the Final in 2009). Their six tries were also the most they ever scored against the team from the New Zealand capital.

Two of their tries were from intercepts in the first half. The Hurricanes’ refusal to kick themselves out of their own territory and insistence on throwing long loop passes saw JJ Engelbrecht and Akona Ndungane crossing the try-line without a defender in sight.

Yet again, the Bulls’ set piece functioned very well, which had the ‘Canes under pressure for large parts of the game. The home team’s pack really got stuck in big time and was especially good in the lineouts, which probably played a role in the Hurricanes’ no-kick strategy.

The team from Pretoria were also not shy to spread the ball wide when they had the opportunity, but unlike the Hurricanes, they always made sure they played the game in the right areas of the field first.

The Bulls’ pressure game forced the Hurricanes to make way too many errors, and the visitors also struggled with discipline, but their biggest sin was trying to play too much rugby in their own half.

Bulls: Jurgen Visser, Akona Ndungane, JJ Engelbrecht, Wynand Olivier, Bjorn Basson, Morne Steyn, Jano Vermaak, Pierre Spies (C), Dewald Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Juandre Kruger, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling BENCH: Willie Wepener, Frik Kirsten, Grant Hattingh, Arno Botha, Francois Hougaard, Louis Fouche, Lionel Mapoe

SCORERS T: Engelbrecht, Stegmann, Ndungane, Greyling, Mapoe, Fouche C: Steyn (5), Fouche P: Steyn (2)

Hurricanes: Andre Taylor, Alapati Leiua, Conrad Smith (C), Tusi Pisi, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Brad Shields, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ash Dixon, Ben Franks BENCH: Reggie Goodes, Ben May, Mark Reddish, Faifili Levave, Jack Lam, Chris Smylie, Tim Bateman

SCORERS T: Perenara (2) C: Barrett (2) Eaton

Referee: Lourens van der Merwe

 

 

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REDS 12 - 11 BLUES

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane - Friday 26 April 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 9-11

Reds: Jonathan Lance, Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Ed Quirk, James Horwill (C), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley BENCH: James Hanson, Greg Holmes, Ed O`Donoghue, Jarrad Butler, Ben Lucas, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Dom Shipperley

SCORERS P: Cooper (4)

Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Rene Ranger, Jackson Willison, Albert Nikoro, Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, Ali Williams (C), Culum Retallick, Angus Ta'avao, James Parsons, Tom McCartney BENCH: Keven Mealamu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ronald Raaymakers, Brendon O'Conner, Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr, Francis Saili

SCORERS T: Willison P: Noakes, Nikoro

Referee: Craig Joubert

 

BRUMBIES 41 - 7 FORCE

Canberra Stadium, Canberra - Saturday 27 April 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 29-0

Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ben Mowen (C), George Smith, Fotu Auelua, Sam Carter, Peter Kimlin, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio BENCH: Siliva Siliva, Ruaidhri Murphy, Leon Power, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Pat McCabe, Robbie Coleman

SCORERS T: Mogg, Speight (2), Lealiifano, Tomane, Siliva C: Lealiifano (4) P: Lealiifano Moore

Force: Jayden Hayward, Patrick Dellit, Junior Rasolea, Kyle Godwin, Ed Stubbs, Sam Norton-Knight, Alby Matheweson, Richard Brown, Matt Hodgson (C), Ben McCalman, Sam Wykes, Toby Lynn, Salesi, Ma'afu, Heath Tessmann, Pek Cowan BENCH: James Hilterbrand, Kieran Longbottom, Rory Walton, Chris Alcock, Mick Snowden, Sias Ebersohn, Winston Stanley

SCORERS T: Hodgson C: Hayward

Referee: Angus Gardner

 

 

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HURRICANES 16 - 18 STORMERS

FMG Stadium, Palmerston North - Friday 26 April 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 11-7

Hurricanes: Andre Taylor, Alapati Leiua, Conrad Smith (C), Tim Bateman, Matt Proctor, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Brad Shields, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Motu Matu'u, Ben Franks BENCH: Ash Dixon, Ben May, Mark Reddish, Faifili Levave, Ardie Savea, Chris Smylie, Tusi Pisi

SCORERS T: Proctor, Taylor P: Barrett Thrush

Stormers: Joe Pietersen, Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers (C), Bryan Habana, Gary van Aswegen, Dewaldt Duvenage, Duane Vermeulen, Michael Rhodes, Siya Kolisi, Andries Bekker, De Kock Steenkamp, Pat Cilliers, Deon Fourie, Steven Kitshoff BENCH: Scarra Ntubeni, Brok Harris, Rynhardt Elstadt, Nizaam Carr, Nic Groom, Louis Schreuder, Damian de Allende

SCORERS T: Rhodes, Aplon C: Pietersen P: Pietersen (2)

Referee: Steve Walsh

 

CHIEFS 37 - 29 SHARKS

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton - Saturday 27 April 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 24-19

Chiefs: Gareth Anscombe, Lelia Masaga, Tim Nanai-Williams, Richard Kahui, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Augustine Pulu, Nick Crosswell, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam (co-C), Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (co-C), Michael Kainga, Mahonri Schwalger, Toby Smith BENCH: Rhys Marshall, Ben Tameifuna, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Brendon Leonard, Bundee Aki, Charlie Ngatai

SCORERS T: Tikoirotuma, Aki, Nani-Williams (2) C: Anscombe (4) P: Anscombe (2), Cruden

Sharks: Riaan Viljoen, Odwa Ndungane, Francois Steyn, Meyer Bosman, Piet Lindeque, Patrick Lambie, Charl McLeod, Lubabalo Mtembu, Jean Deysel (C), Derick Minnie, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Anton Bresler, Jannie du Plessis, Craig Burden, Wiehahn Herbst BENCH: Kyle Cooper, Danie Mienie, Franco van der Merwe, Keegan Daniel, Marcell Coetzee, Cobus Reinach, S'bura Sithole

SCORERS T: Minnie (2), Mtembu, Daniel C: Lambie (3) P: Lambie

Referee: Chris Pollock

 

CRUSADERS 30 - 26 MELBOURNE REBELS

AMI Stadium, Addington Christchurch - Sunday 28 April 2013
KO: 16:05 HT: 18-11

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Tyler Bleyendaal, Willi Heinz, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, George Whitelock (C), Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Joe Moody BENCH: Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett, Dominic Bird, Jordan Taufua, Andy Ellis, Dan Carter, Adam Whitelock

SCORERS T: Guildford, Bleyendaal C: Taylor P: Taylor (6)

Rebels: Jason Woodward, Tom English, Mitch Inman, Rory Sidey, Cooper Vuna, James O'Connor, Nick Phipps, Scott Higginbotham (C), Scott Fuglistaller, Jarrod Saffy, Cadeyrn Neville, Hugh Pyle, Laurie Weeks, Ged Robinson, Nic Henderson BENCH: Shota Horie, Paul Alo-Emile, Luke Jones, Gareth Delve, Nic Stirzaker, Angus Roberts, Lachlan Mitchell

SCORERS T: Higginbotham, O'Connor, Robinson C: O'Connor P: O'Connor (3)

Referee: Nick Briant

 

 

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BULLS 30 - 19 WARATAHS

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria - Saturday 27 April 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 12-5

Bulls: Jurgen Visser, Akona Ndungane, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein, Bjorn Basson' Morne Steyn, Jano Vermaak, Pierre Spies (C), Arno Botha, Dewald Potgieter, Juandre Kruger, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling BENCH: Willie Wepener, Hencus van Wyk, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Jacques Potgieter, Francois Hougaard, Louis Fouche, Lionel Mapoe

SCORERS T: Hougaard, Steyn C: Steyn P: Steyn (6)

Waratahs: Israel Folau, Cam Crawford, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Tom Kingston, Bernard Foley, Brendan McKibbin, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis (C), Kane Douglas Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson BENCH: John Ulugia, Paddy Ryan, Mitchell Chapman, Pat McCutcheon, Matt Lucas, Ben Volavola, Peter Betham

SCORERS T: Folau, Ryan, Foley C: McKibbin (2)

Referee: Francisco Pastrana

 

CHEETAHS 26 - 12 SOUTHERN KINGS

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Saturday 27 April 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 15-9

Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Willie le Roux, Johan Sadie, Robert Ebersohn, Raymond Rhule, Burton Francis, Piet van Zyl, Phillip van der Walt, Lappies Labuschagne, Heinrich Brussow, Francois Uys, Lodewyk de Jager, Lourens Adriaanse, Adriaan Strauss (C), Coenie Oosthuisen BENCH: Ryno Barnes, Trevor Nyakane, Landman Ligtoring, Frans Viljoen, Sarel Pretorius, Brummer Francois, Ryno Benjamin

SCORERS T: Rhule, Labuschagne, le Roux C: Francis P: Francis (3)

Southern Kings: George Whitehead, Siyanda Grey, Ronnie Cooke, Andries Strauss (C), Michael Killian, Demetri Catrakilis, Shaun Venter, Jacques Engelbrecht, Wimpie van der Walt, Cornell Du Preez, Rynier Bernardo, Steven Sykes, Kevin Buys, Bandise Maku, Schalk Ferreira BENCH: Virgile Lacombe, Grant Kemp, David Bulbring, Luke Watson, Nicolas Vergallo, Waylon Murray, Siviwe Sonwabile Soyizwapi

SCORERS P: Catrakilis (4)

Referee: Jonathon White

 

 

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WARATAHS 25 - 20 CHIEFS

Allianz Stadium, Sydney - Friday 19 April 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 15-0

Waratahs: Israel Folau, Cam Crawford, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Drew Mitchell, Bernard Foley, Brendan McKibbin, Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sekope Kepu, Sitaleki Timani, Kane Douglas, DAVE DENNIS (C), Michael Hooper, Wycliff Palu BENCH: John Ulugia, Paddy Ryan, Mitchell Chapman, Pat McCutcheon, Matt Lucas, Ben Volavola, Peter Betham

SCORERS T: Crawford, Folau, Ulugia C: McKibbin (2) P: McKibbin (2) Timani

Chiefs: Andrew Horrell, Lelia Masaga, Charlie Ngatai, Richard Kahui, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Brendon Leonard, Fritz Lee, Sam Cane, LIAM MESSAM (C), Brodie Retallick, Michael Fitzgerald, Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu BENCH: Rhys Marshall, Michael Kainga, Nick Crosswell, Tanerau Latimer, Augustine Pulu, Gareth Anscombe, Tim Nanai-Williams

SCORERS T: Anscombe, Tameifuna C: Anscombe (2) P: Anscombe (2)

Referee: Craig Joubert

 

REDS 19 - 19 BRUMBIES

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane - Saturday 20 April 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 7-13

Reds: Jono Lance, Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Eddie Quirk, JAMES HORWILL (C), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, James Hanson, Greg Holmes BENCH: Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley, Ed O'Donoghue, Jarrad Butler, Ben Lucas, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Dom Shipperley

SCORERS T: Schatz, Davies, Gill C: Cooper (2)

Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Fotu Auelea, George Smith, BEN MOWEN (C), Sam Carter, Peter Kimlin, Dan Palmer, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander BENCH: Siliva Siliva, Scott Sio, Jordan Smiler, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Pat McCabe, Clyde Rathbone

SCORERS T: Lealiifano C: Lealiifano P: Lealiifano (4) Sio

Referee: Glen Jackson

 

 

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HURRICANES 22 - 16 FORCE

Westpac Stadium, Wellington - Friday 19 April 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 15-3

Hurricanes: Beauden Barrett, Alapati Leiua, CONRAD SMITH (C), Tim Bateman, Julian Savea, Tusi Pisi, Chris Smylie, Faifili Levave, Jack Lam, Brad Shields, Mark Reddish, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Motu Matu'u, Ben Franks BENCH: Ash Dixon, Reggie Goodes, James Broadhurst, Karl Lowe, TJ Perenara, Reynold Lee-Lo, Andre Taylor

SCORERS T: Allen, Shields, Pisi C: Barrett (2) P: Barrett Broadhurst

Force: Jayden Hayward, Patrick Dellit, Winston Stanley, Junior Rasolea, Ed Stubbs, Sam Norton-Knight, Alby Mathewson, Richard Brown, MATT HODGSON (C), Angus Cottrell, Sam Wykes, Toby Lynn, Tetera Faulkner, Heath Tessmann, Pek Cowan BENCH: James Hilterbrand, Kieran Longbottom, Rory Walton, Chris Alcock, Mick Snowden, Sias Ebersohn, Alfie Mafi

SCORERS T: Mathewson C: Hayward P: Hayward

Referee: Nick Briant

 

CRUSADERS 24 - 8 HIGHLANDERS

AMI Stadium, Addington Christchurch - Saturday 20 April 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 16-0

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Tyler Bleyendaal, Andy Ellis, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, GEORGE WHITELOCK (C), Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks , Corey Flynn , Wyatt Crockett BENCH: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Dominic Bird, Jordan Taufua, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Adam Whitelock

SCORERS T: Fruean, Taylor C: Bleyendaal P: Bleyendaal (4) Franks

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Tony Ensor, Jason Emery, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Hayden Parker, Aaron Smith, TJ Ioane, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn, Chris King, ANDREW HORE (C), Tony Woodcock BENCH: Liam Coltman, Ma'afu Fia, Jamie Mackintosh, Elliot Dixon, Fumiaka Tanaka, Colin Slade, Jake Paringatai

SCORERS T: Emery P: Slade

Referee: Garratt Williamson

 

 

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SHARKS 6 - 12 CHEETAHS

Kings Park, Durban - Saturday 20 April 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 3-7

Sharks: Riaan Viljoen, Odwa Ndungane, Paul Jordaan, Meyer Bosman, Sean Robinson, Patrick Lambie, Cobus Reinach, KEEGAN DANIEL (C), Jean Deysel, Marcell Coetzee, Franco van der Merwe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Wiehahn Herbst, Kyle Cooper, Tendai Mtawarira BENCH: Craig Burden, Jannie du Plessis, Anton Bresler, Lubabalo Mtembu, Charl McLeod, Francois Steyn, Andries Coetzee

SCORERS P: Lambie (2)

Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Willie le Roux, Johan Sadie, Robert Ebersohn, Raymond Rhule, Burton Francis, Piet van Zyl, Phillip van der Walt, Lappies Labuschagne, Heinrich Brussow, Francois Uys, Lodewyk de Jager, Lourens Adriaanse, ADRIAAN STRAUSS (C), Coenie Oosthuisen BENCH: Ryno Barnes, Trevor Nyakane, Landman Ligtoring, Frans Viljoen , Tewis de Bruyn, Brummer Francois, Ryno Benjamin

SCORERS T: Rhule, le Roux C: Francis

Referee: Jonathan White

 

SOUTHERN KINGS 0 - 34 BULLS

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, PE - Saturday 20 April 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 0-20

Kings: George Whitehead, Ronnie Cooke, Waylon Murray, ANDRIES STRAUSS (C), Sergeal Petersen, Demetri Catrakilis, Shaun Venter, Luke Watson, Wimpie van der Walt, David Bulbring, Steven Sykes, Cornell Du Preez, Kevin Buys, Bandise Maku, Schalk Ferreira  BENCH: Hannes Franklin, Grant Kemp, Rynier Bernardo, Jacques Engelbrecht, Nicolas Vergallo, Marcello Sampson, Siviwe Sonwabile Soyizwapi

SCORERS T: Serfontein, Vermaak, Potgieter, Ndungane C: Steyn (2), Fouche (2) P: Steyn DG: Steyn

Bulls: Jurgen Visser, Akona Ndungane, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Sefontein, Lionel Mapoe, Morne Steyn , Jano Vermaak, PIERRE SPIES (C), Dewald Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Juandre Kruger, Flip van der Merwe, Frik Kirsten, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Morne Mellett BENCH: Callie Visagie, Werner Kruger, Paul Willemse, Arno Botha, Rudy Paige, Louis Fouche , Bjorn Basson

Referee: Francisco Pastrana

 

 

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FORCE 16 - 14 CRUSADERS

NIB Stadium, Perth - Saturday 13 April 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 16-8

A courageous Emirates Western Force has held off a potent Crusaders outfit to win by two points at nib stadium in Perth, 16-14.

Looking to respond following the previous weekend’s disappointment against the Rebels, a resilient defensive effort from the Force paved the way for the victory with the home side repelling countless waves of Crusader attack and holding its nerve in the final 25 minutes to maintain the eventual 2-point advantage.

In an often brutal, physical contest, the Force was well served by the front-foot ball provided by man of the match Richard Brown, while newcomers Ed Stubbs, Junior Rasolea and Rory Walton made their presence known against a significantly more experienced opposition.

In his first run-on appearance for the Emirates Western Force, flyhalf Sam Norton-Knight continually kept the visitors on the back foot by tucking the ball behind the defensive line, and ghosting between two Crusaders defenders to stretch out and score the opening try of the game in the third minute.

Fullback Jayden Hayward – also making his run-on debut for the Force – converted his playmaker’s 5-pointer and added a 12th-minute penalty goal to give his side an early 10-0 lead.

Not to be forgotten, the seven-time Super Rugby champions edged their way back into the game; first through a Tyler Bleyendaal penalty goal before lock Luke Romano capitalised a burst down the left hand side to cross in the corner and bring the Cantabrians to within 2 points.

Another two Hayward penalty goals provided the Force with a 16-8 half-time buffer before a fired-up Crusaders team returned the field following the break and immediately began reducing the deficit through two penalty goals to Bleyendaal.

However, with 25 minutes to play, a two-point lead and wave after wave of vocal support storming in from the ‘Sea of Blue’, the Force combined in a steely defensive effort to hold the Crusaders at bay and seal an emphatic victory in front of an extremely appreciative home crowd.

Force: Jayden Hayward, Alfie Mafi, Junior Rasolea, Kyle Godwin, Ed Stubbs, Sam Norton-Knight, Alby Mathewson,  Richard Brown, MATT HODGSON (C), Ben McCalman, Sam Wykes, Toby Lynn, Salesi Ma’afu, Heath Tessmann, Pek Cowan BENCH: Ben Whittaker, Tetera Faulkner, Rory Walton, Chris Alcock, Mick Snowden, Sias Ebersohn, Patrick Dellit

SCORERS T: Norton-Knight C: Hayward P: Hayward (3)

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Adam Whitelock, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Tom Marshall, Tyler Bleyendaal, Andy Ellis, Luke Whitelock, Shane Christie, GEORGE WHITELOCK (C), Dominic Bird, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett BENCH: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Tom Donnelly, Jordan Taufua, Willi Heinz, Telusa Veainu, Zac Guildford

SCORERS T: Romano P: Bleyandaal (3)

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan

 

MELBOURNE REBELS 27 - 30 SOUTHERN KINGS

AAMI Park, Melbourne - Saturday 13 April 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 17-17

AN injury-time drop goal by Demetri Catrakilis saw the Southern Kings snatch their first-ever overseas win when they beat the Melbourne Rebels by 30-27 at AAMI Park on Saturday.

For a second successive week the Kings waited until injury time before landing a telling blow. Last week against the Brumbies, they drew 28-28 following a converted try, but this week the men from the Southern and Eastern Cape went one better, bagging their second win of the season thanks to their flyhalf’s heroics.

This was the Rebels’ 11th successive defeat against South African opposition as they remained winless against teams from the Republic.

The Kings rushed ahead 14-0 after only 14 minutes, with left-wing Ronnie Cooke and scrumhalf Shaun Venter scoring early tries, both converted by the impressive Catrakilis.

But the Rebels clawed their way back into the match and at the break, the scores were tied at 17-17 after it looked like the Kings took their foot off the pedal a bit.

Then the home team surged further ahead and with 25 minutes to go, they were firmly in control at 27-17. But these Kings do not give up, as the Brumbies found out last week, and they fought back.

With the Rebels’ Jordy Reid in the sin bin, the Kings’ impressive loose forward Wimpie van der Walt scored his side’s third try from a rolling maul. Catrakilis converted and five minutes later, deep in injury time, the visitors’ flyhalf put over his first drop goal of the season.

Rebels: Richard Kingi, Jason Woodward, Mitch Inman, Rory Sidey, Cooper Vuna, James O'Connor, Nick Phipps, SCOTT HIGGINBOTHAM (C), Scott Fuglistaller, Luke Jones, Cadeyrn Neville, Hugh Pyle, Paul Alo-Emile, Ged Robinson, Nic Henderson BENCH: Shota Horie, Laurie Weeks, Jordy Reid, Jarrod Saffy, Nic Stirzaker, Lachlan Mitchell, Angus Roberts

SCORERS T: Robinson, Roberts, Inman C: O'Connor (3) P: O'Connor (2) Reid

Kings: George Whitehead, Sergeal Petersen, Waylon Murray, ANDRIES STRAUSS (C), Ronnie Cooke, Demetri Catrakilis, Shaun Venter, Cornell du Preez, Wimpie van der Walt, Devin Oosthuizen, Rynier Bernardo, Steven Sykes, Grant Kemp, Hannes Franklin, Schalk Ferreira BENCH: Bandise Maku, Kevin Buys, David Bulbring, Jacques Engelbrecht, Nicolas Vergallo, Marcello Sampson, Siviwe Soyzwapi

SCORERS T: Cooke, Venter, van der Walt C: Catrakilis (3) P: Catrakilis (2) DG: Catrakilis

Referee: Andrew Lees

 

 

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HIGHLANDERS 19 - 30 BRUMBIES

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin - Friday 12 April 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 12-17

THE HIGHLANDERS lost their seventh straight match of the season against the Brumbies in Dunedin; after falling behind early in the match they spent much of the game trying to catch up. A late try brought them close, however it was a case of too little too late, Brumbies winning 30-19.
 
The Brumbies jumped out to an early lead thanks to a Henry Speight try, while Christian Lealiifano added the conversion, followed with a penalty shortly after.
 
Hayden Parker kept the home fans happy, while also keeping the Highlanders in touch on the scoreboard, kicking three penalties of his own.
 
The Brumbies dominated much of the territory for the remainder of the first half, putting pressure on the Highlanders defence while finding gaps in the midfield. A try to Brumbies flanker George Smith 5 minutes out from halftime gave the visitors a healthy advantage, although Parker kicked his fourth penalty of the night as the halftime siren sounded to keep the Highlanders in the game at 12-17.
 
The second half was more of the same for the Brumbies, adding quick points through penalties from Nic White and Lealiifano to stretch their lead to 23-12 before speedy wing Joe Tomane pounced on a loose ball to run in for an easy try. Lealiifano added the extras to give them a 30-12 lead.
 
Aaron Smith came on to score a late try with 5 minutes left to go, Parker landing the conversion to finish with a 100% kicking record.

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Phil Burleigh, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Hayden Parker, Fumiaki Tanaka, Mose Tuiali’i, John Hardie, TJ Ioane, Jarrad Hoeata, Brad Thorn, Maafu Fia, ANDREW HORE (C), Jamie Mackintosh BENCH: Liam Coltman, Chris King, Josh Bekhuis, Elliot Dixon, Aaron Smith, Colin Slade, Jason Emery

SCORERS T: Aaron Smith C: Parker P: Parker (4)

Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Andrew Smith, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Nic White, BEN MOWEN (C), George Smith, Jordan Smiler, Sam Carter, Peter Kimlin, Dan Palmer, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander BENCH: Siliva Siliva, Scott Sio, Fotu Auelua, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Pat McCabe, Tevita Kuridrani

SCORERS T: Speight, George Smith, Tomane C: Lealiifano (3) P: Lealiifano (2), White

Referee: Chris Pollock

CHIEFS 23 - 31 REDS

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton - Saturday 13 April 2013
KO: 16:35 HT: 10-14

THE St.George Queensland Reds set the stage for the next week’s blockbuster Australian Conference derby against the ACT Brumbies following a thrilling 31-23 bonus point victory over the reigning Super Rugby champion Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.

The victory was the Reds sixth win from eight Super Rugby games in 2013 and has them sitting just two competition points behind the table-topping Brumbies. The Reds produced their best performance of 2013 in the four tries to two victory over the Chiefs with winger Rod Davies scoring twice in his first starting opportunity of the season, while No.8 Jake Schatz and flyhalf Quade Cooper, who also added 11 points with the boot, crossed for 5- pointers.

The Reds have now won four consecutive Super Rugby matches against the Chiefs while extending their impressive record against New Zealand opposition with the Reds winning 11 of their past 12 matches against their Trans-Tasman rivals.

Reds captain James Horwill produced an inspired performance and was responsible for setting the tone of the match early with a clean linebreak and try-saving tackle within the opening 5 minutes. Flyhalf Quade Cooper was equally as impressive in contributing 16 points courtesy of a try, four conversions and a penalty goal.

It was a fast-paced start to the match with Horwill and Davies both making clean linebreaks in the opening 5 minutes while their scrambling defence was just as impressive with try saving tackles to Horwill and Anthony Faingaa keeping the home side off the scoreboard.

Davies looked certain to score the game’s opening try in just the third minute before a pass floated over his head although it did not take long for the speedster to get on the scoreboard when he was rewarded with an intercept try from a pass by Chiefs flyhalf Aaron Cruden near halfway.

The Chiefs battled back to take the lead 10-7 following a try to Bundee Aki although the Reds regained momentum only six minutes later when a beautifully designed 12-man rolling maul allowed Schatz to dive over in the corner.

Cooper made his second successful conversion of the opening half to give the Reds a 14-10 lead through until halftime.

The second half continued in the same up-tempo fashion as the first and it did not take long for the Reds to extend their lead when Cooper took advantage of some strong lead-up play by the forwards to step past Cruden and score under the posts.

The Reds led 31-16 with a quarter of the game remaining following a second try to Davies and a Cooper penalty goal although it was not all one-way traffic for the next 20 minutes with the Chiefs storming back and throwing everything at Queensland’s defence.

They continued to make inroads and when Anthony Faingaa was awarded a yellow card the Chiefs capitalised to make it an eight-point game with 14 minutes remaining. Despite playing a man down, the Reds defence stepped up to the mark to hold the fast-finishing Chiefs out.

Chiefs: Gareth Anscombe, Tim Nanai Williams, Richard Kahui, Bundee Aki, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, August Pulu, LIAM MESSAM (C), Sam Cane, Tanerau Latimer, Brodie Retallick, Michael Fitzgerald, Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith BENCH: Rhys Marshall, Michael Kainga, Nick Crosswell, Fritz Lee, Brendon Leonard, Andrew Horrell, Patrick Osborne

SCORERS T: Aki, Osbourne C: Anscombe (2) P: Anscombe (3)

Reds: Jono Lance, Dom Shipperley, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Rod Davies, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Eddie Quirk, JAMES HORWILL (C), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, James Hanson, Greg Holmes BENCH: Albert Anae, Ben Daley, Ed O'Donoghue, Jarrad Butler, Ben Lucas, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Aidan Toua

SCORERS T: Davies (2), Schatz, Cooper C: Cooper (4) P: Cooper Faingaa

Referee: Steve Walsh

 

BLUES 28 - 6 HURRICANES

Eden Park Auckland - Saturday 13 April 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 14-6

THE BLUES made it back-to-back victories over the Hurricanes this season as they demolished them 28-6 at Eden Park.

After a come-from-behind 34-20 victory in the first round of the competition, the Blues stepped things up a gear the second time around as they produced a sparkling performance to carve up the Hurricanes. The bonus point victory moves the Blues into second position on the New Zealand conference and just 2 points adrift of the Chiefs, with a guaranteed 4 points next week with the bye.

Playing against his old franchise seems bring out the best in All Black halfback Piri Weepu, and after putting in two big shots in defence, he created the opening try for the Blues after 11 minutes. The 69-Test veteran darted through the a hole by the ruck and offloaded to Charles Piutau who raced down the sideline, beating Julian Savea before offloading to Chris Noakes who fed Frank Halai for the try.

Piutau almost created a second try for Halai as he carved up the defence and stormed down field, but he just couldn’t quite link up with his winger as a scoring opportunity went begging.

As electrifying as their attack was, the Blues’ defence was just as exceptional as they held the Hurricanes out, Tusi Pisi resorting to a drop goal to get some points on the board for his side after 27 minutes.

Beauden Barrett slotted a penalty goal 6 minutes from the break to close things up to just a point, but the Blues had the last say as Piutau crossed from a well executed scrum move to give the home side a 14-6 lead at half time.

The Blues’ kept their foot on the throttle in the second half as hooker James Parsons barreled over the try line 6 minutes in, before his fellow front rower Tom McCartney got in on the action, barging over from close range for the bonus point try on the hour mark.

Leading 28-6, the Blues had the game in the bag but were forced to work extremely hard in the final stages as the Hurricanes threw everything at them.

Playing his best game of the season, Luatua saved a try after managing to hold up Faifili Levave over the line, and despite throwing a wild pass to Julian Savea who looked to have raced away for an intercept try, on closer inspection from the TMO found Luatua’s foot was in touch to deny the visitors a single try.

In the end the Blues ran out convincing victors and now have the week off to savour the win, before returning to action the following week to prepare for their clash with the Reds in Brisbane.

Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Francis Saili, Jackson Willison, Rene Ranger, Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, ALI WILLIAMS (C), Culum Retallick, Angus Ta'avao, James Parsons, Tom McCartney BENCH: Keven Mealamu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Anthony Boric, Brendon O'Connor, Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr, Albert Nikoro

SCORERS T: Halai, Piutau, Parsons, McCartney C: Noakes (4)

Hurricanes: Beauden Barrett, Alapati Leiua, CONRAD SMITH (C), Tim Bateman, Julian Savea, Tusi Pisi, TJ Perenara, Faifili Levave, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Jason Eaton, Mark Reddish, Ben May, Motu Matu'u, Ben Franks/Reggie Goodes BENCH: Dane Coles/Ash Dixon, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, James Broadhurst, Jack Lam, Chris Smylie, Reynold Lee-Lo, Andre Taylor

SCORERS P: Barrett DG: Pisi

Referee: Jaco Peyper

 

 

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THE Southern Kings won their first-ever match Down Under as the DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls returned to winning ways on an exciting Saturday of Vodacom Super Rugby action.

The Kings ended their Australasian tour in superb fashion, clinching a win in injury time against the Rebels in Melbourne (30-27). It meant the South African dominance over Australia’s newest franchise was extended to 11 matches.

Back on home soil, the DHL Stormers’ pack was too good for The Sharks as the Capetonians won this tough derby by 22-15 at home, levelling things between them and the KwaZulu-Natalians at 10-10 after 20 Vodacom Super Rugby matches.

Both The Sharks and the DHL Stormers will leave on their tours Down Under in the next fortnight and will realise they need to improve if they are going to remain in the hunt for a place in the top six.

In Pretoria, the Vodacom Bulls ended the Toyota Cheetahs’ impressive five-match winning streak and ensured they remain unbeaten against the team from Central South Africa (26-20). Both these teams have already toured to Australasia and will be happy that they are still very much in the playoff race.

Down Under, it was a good weekend for the Australian teams that played against New Zealand opposition, with three wins from three matches.

The Brumbies were too good for the Highlanders on Friday in Dunedin (30-19). On Saturday, the Reds beat the Chiefs in Hamilton (31-23) before the Western Force caused a big upset in Perth when they beat the Crusaders (16-14).

STORMERS 22 - 15 SHARKS

DHL Newlands Stadium, Cape Town - Saturday 13 April 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 16-6

THE DHL Stormers grinded out their third win of the season when they beat The Sharks by 22-15 in a pulsating Super Rugby match at DHL Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday afternoon.

On the score board, the difference between the two teams was a try by Springbok centre Juan de Jongh, in his 50th match at this level for the Capetonians, after a sublime touch by his midfield partner Jean de Villiers late in the first half.

But the Stormers’ error count was also much lower than that of The Sharks, who probably created more try-scoring opportunities, only to be kept out through good defence by the home team, as well as bad handling.

The Stormers did not do anything fancy in this match, but they were superior in intensity and physicality in front of more than 41,000 supporters. Apart from De Jongh’s try, fullback Joe Pietersen kicked 17 points and was successful with each of his six attempts at goal.

Things could’ve been different for the visitors, who still lead the South African Conference, had they not squandered a number of scoring opportunities with unforced errors. But the old cliché, that the DHL Stormers wanted and needed this win more, probably applied to this match.

Looking at the Stormers’ wins this season, it’s interesting that all of them came at DHL Newlands against the three conference leaders – the Brumbies (Australia), Chiefs (New Zealand) and The Sharks (South Africa).

The Sharks’ Springbok flyhalf Pat Lambie kicked five from six, missing only an ambitious effort from 50m out. His final penalty goal, in injury time, secured the KwaZulu-Natalians a losing bonus point at the end of a match where their set piece and attacking play let them down.

Matches between these two teams have been brutal in the recent past. In the last five derbies between them, or 400 minutes of rugby, only nine tries have been scored – four by the DHL Stormers and five by The Sharks. That is one try every 44 minutes.

Stormers: Joe Pietersen, Damian de Allende, Juan de Jongh, JEAN DE VILLIERS (C), Gio Aplon, Gary van Aswegen, Dewaldt Duvenage, Duane Vermeulen, Michael Rhodes, Siya Kolisi, Andries Bekker, De Kock Steenkamp, Frans Malherbe, Deon Fourie, Steven Kitshoff BENCH: Martin Bezuidenhout, Pat Cilliers, Gerbrandt Grobler, Nizaam Carr, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Cheslin Kolbe

SCORERS T: de Jongh C: Pietersen P: Pietersen (5)

Sharks: Francois Steyn, Sean Robinson, Paul Jordaan, Meyer Bosman, JP Pietersen, Patrick Lambie, Cobus Reinach, KEEGAN DANIEL (C), Ryan Kankowski, Marcell Coetzee, Franco van der Merwe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jannie du Plessis, Kyle Cooper, Tendai Mtawarira BENCH: Craig Burden, Wiehahn Herbst, Anton Bresler, Jean Deysel, Charl McLeod, Riaan Viljoen, Odwa Ndungane

SCORERS P: Lambie (5)

Referee: Craig Joubert

 

BULLS 26 - 20 CHEETAHS

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria - Saturday 13 April 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 8-12

AN early second half try by Jano Vermaak turned the tide and helped the Vodacom Bulls to their 10th successive Vodacom Super Rugby win over the Toyota Cheetahs, at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday evening.

More than 35,000 people rocked up at Loftus as the Bulls celebrated the Blue Bulls Rugby Union’s 75th anniversary and it was Vermaak who put them on the winning track early second half of this exciting match.

It was the first time the Bulls took the lead – the score was 9-6 to the Cheetahs at the break – and after that try, the home team never looked back as they played the percentages better, but also experienced first-hand by how much the visitors’ defence had improved in 2013.

The Bulls also defended exceptionally well and it was only in the 73rd minute, when loosehead prop Trevor Nyakane crashed over for his first-ever Super Rugby try, that the Pretorians’ try-line was breached.

Cheetahs flyhalf Burton Francis’ conversion was not successful, but at 17-19 his team was back in the hunt.

Three minutes later though replacement hooker Callie Visagie went over for the Bulls’ second try, which sealed the win for the three-time champions – their first since 11 March. It also ended a very impressive five-match winning streak by the Cheetahs, who got a losing bonus point through an injury time penalty goal by replacement flyhalf Francois Brummer.

Bulls: Jurgen Visser, Akona Ndungane, JJ Engelbrecht , Jan Serfontein , Lionel Mapoe, Morne Steyn, Jano Vermaak, PIERRE SPIES (C), Dewald Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Juandré Kruger, Flip van der Merwe, Frik Kirsten, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Morne Mellet BENCH: Callie Visagie, Werner Kruger, Paul Willemse, Arno Botha, Rudy Paige, Louis Fouche , Ulrich Beyers

SCORERS T: Vermaak, Visagie C: Steyn (2) P: Steyn (4)

Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Willie le Roux, Johan Sadie, Robert Ebersohn, Raymond Rhule, Burton Francis, Piet van Zyl, Phillip van der Walt, Lappies Labuschagne, Heinrich Brussow, Francois Uys, Lodewyk de Jager, Lourens Adriaanse, ADRIAAN STRAUSS (C), Trevor Nyakane BENCH: Ryno Barnes, Coenie Oosthuisen, Landman Ligtoring, Frans Viljoen , Tewis de Bruyn, Brummer Francois, Ryno Benjamin

SCORERS T: Nyakane P: Francis (4), Brummer

Referee: Jason Jaftha

 

 

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BRUMBIES 28 - 28 KINGS

Canberra Stadium, Canberra - Friday 05 April 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 19-14

THE final result was a draw, but the Southern Kings scored a moral victory in Canberra on Friday when they drew 28-28 with the log-leading Brumbies thanks to a converted try in injury time by Cornell du Preez.

The Kings never gave up against the more-fancied Brumbies, who looked set for a big one after they scored two tries in the first 17 minutes. However, thereafter they could only kick penalty goals, thanks to bad discipline by the visitors, while the men from the South Eastern Cape put four tries past Jake White’s team.

The visitors managed to match the Brumbies’ physicality and stop their momentum, but also showed a lot of character and never gave up until the end of the match, despite having had to defend for most of the match.

Although they made a few silly mistakes and conceded too many kickable penalties, the Kings took their chances well, with Du Preez scoring a brace of tries, while his fellow loose forward Wimpie van der Walt and loosehead prop Schalk Ferreira also crashing over.

It took the Toyota Cheetahs 21 defeats in Australasia before they drew with the Chiefs away, the Vodacom Bulls lost their first 20 tour matches before they beat the Hurricanes, the MTN Lions lost their first five Down Under before winning against the Force in Perth and the DHL Stormers their first four before they beat the Hurricanes.

Only The Sharks, who won their first tour match as a franchise, in 1998 against the Brumbies, had a shorter “Australasian losing streak” than the Kings.

Brumbies: Robbie Coleman, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Pat McCabe, Joe Tomane, Christian Lealiifano, Nic White, Fotu Auelua, George Smith, BEN MOWEN (C), Etienne Oosthuizen, Peter Kimlin, Dan Palmer, Siliva Siliva, Ben Alexander BENCH: Stephen Moore, Scott Sio, Sam Carter, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Andrew Smith, Zack Holmes

SCORERS T: Speight, Tomane P: Lealiifano (5), White

Kings: George Whitehead, Sergeal Petersen, Waylon Murray, ANDRIES STRAUSS (C), Ronnie Cooke, Demetri Catrakilis, Nicolas Vergallo, Cornell du Preez, Wimpie van der Walt, Devin Oosthuizen, Rynier Bernardo, Steven Sykes, Grant Kemp, Hannes Franklin, Schalk Ferreira BENCH: Bandise Maku, Kevin Buys, David Bulbring, Jacques Engelbrecht, Shaun Venter, Marcello Sampson, Siviwe Soyzwapi

SCORERS T: Ferreira, van der Walt, du Preez (2) C: Whitehead (3), Catrakilis Ferreira

Referee: Jaco Peyper

 

FORCE 23 - 30 MELBOURNE REBELS

NIB Stadium, Perth - Saturday 06 April 2013
KO: 16:40 HT: 11-15

THE RaboDirect Rebels headed to nib Stadium in Perth to meet arch-rivals the Western Force in Round eight of the Super XV season. Following a disappointing tour of South Africa, the Rebels knew that nothing less than a repeat of their Round one triumph against the Force would be acceptable.

There was plenty of action right from the get go, with the Force going close to opening the scoring when Alfie Mafi made an inside break in the 4th minute.  But it was the Rebels who broke the deadlock following great work from Richard Kingi down the right hand side. The winger broke through and from the resulting phases the Rebels were able to spread it to the opposite side, where Hugh Pyle scored his second try of the season. James O'Connor was unlucky with the conversion attempt, striking the post.

However it did not take long for O'Connor to get on the scoreboard, as he added 3 points in just the twelfth minute when Matt Hodgson was penalised for not clearing the ruck. The Force were not able to capitalise on an opportunity to do the same when Sias Ebersohn missed a gettable penalty minutes later.

The Rebels made them pay when Jason Woodward scored his first ever Super Rugby try after collecting an Angus Roberts grubber kick. When O'Connor added the extras it was 15-0 to the visitors with a quarter of the match gone.

Hugh McMeniman was thwarted by Nick Phipps as he looked to touch down almost straight from the restart, the Rebels lucky to get a reprieve and retained their advantage. But the Force could not be denied as Winston Stanley scored in the corner with just six minutes of the half remaining, despite Woodward's desperate lunge almost keeping him out.

Despite missing that conversion, Ebersohn added 3 points from just left of the uprights in the 38th minute and then 3 more after the half time siren to reduce the deficit to just 4 points at the break. The momentum at half time was with the Force, and the Rebels needed Head Coach Damien Hill to inspire a repeat of their first 20 minutes.

Hill took a risk after the break, shuffling the backline by bringing Cooper Vuna on for Angus Roberts and moving O'Connor to flyhalf, but it was the front rowers who were leading the way.

Ged Robinson, Paul Alo-Emile and Nic Henderson combined with passing more akin to their backline brethren and after the build-up of consistent phases a beautiful pass from O'Connor released Kingi to score the third try of the Rebels evening. It was just desserts for Kingi, who had looked dangerous all night, however O'Connor was unable to secure the conversion.

Consistent pressure allowed O'Connor to extend the lead with another penalty goal. He used his full range to score from almost halfway, but Will Tupou took advantage of lax defence to score the home side's second and his first in Super Rugby following good work from Mafi. Kyle Godwin took the kicking duties with Ebersohn having been replaced by Sam Christie, and could not have had an easier introduction to the role with an easy conversion from right in front.

Woodward appeared to have scored his second of the evening following a flick pass from O'Connor, but the third match official ruled that O'Connor had passed marginally forward and with 15 minutes on the clock a beautifully-weighted kick from Stanley sat perfectly in the breadbasket of Patrick Dellit for the Force to score their third. Godwin failed to connect properly with the kick, and with 15 minutes to go the scores were locked at 23 apiece.

Woodward may have been denied a double earlier, but he was determined to touch down again and he was able to do just that. After selling a massive double to Force replacement Christie, Woodward chipped the opposition defensive line and showcased his lighting pace to beat them to line. O'Connor kicked truly, and with ten minutes to go the scored mirrored that of the Rebels’ victory in Round 1; 30-23.

With 2 minutes remaining, the Force managed to compile seventeen consecutive phases and exert significant pressure yet the Rebels defence, and most importantly discipline, held firm and when the Force knocked it on the Rebels swiftly booted it into touch to confirm their second victory of the season and third straight at nib Stadium.

Force: Will Tupou, Patrick Dellit, Winston Stanley, Kyle Godwin, Alfie Mafi, Sias Ebersohn, Alby Mathewson, Ben McCalman, MATT HODGSON (C), Angus Cottrell, Hugh McMeniman, Toby Lynn, Salesi Ma’afu, Heath Tessmann, Kieran Longbottom BENCH: Ben Whittaker, Tetera Faulkner, Sam Wykes, Chris Alcock, Mick Snowden, Sam Christie, Sam Norton-Knight

SCORERS T: Stanley, Tupou, Dellit C: Godwin P: Ebersohn (2)

Rebels: James O'Connor, Jason Woodward, Mitch Inman, Rory Sidey, Richard Kingi, Angus Roberts, Nick Phipps, SCOTT HIGGINBOTHAM (C), Scott Fuglistaller, Luke Jones, Cadeyrn Neville, Hugh Pyle, Paul Alo-Emile, Ged Robinson, Nic Henderson BENCH: Shota Horie, Laurie Weeks, Jarrod Saffy, Jordy Reid, Nic Stirzaker, Tom English, Cooper Vuna

SCORERS T: Pyle, Woodward (2), Kingi C: O'Connor (2) P: O'Connor (2)

Referee: Mike Fraser

 

 

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BLUES 29 - 18 HIGHLANDERS

Eden Park Auckland - Friday 05 April 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 12-13

WITH a 29-18 bonus point win at Eden Park, the Blues heaped more misery onto the Highlanders who have yet to win a match this season and remain rooted to the bottom of the Investec Super Rugby ladder following six straight defeats.

Blues halfback Piri Weepu bagged two tries as the Blues snapped a three-match losing streak to defeat the Highlanders 29-18 at Eden Park tonight. The 69 Test veteran played his finest game of the season, making a number sniping runs and backing up Rene Ranger who set up both the halfback’s tries late in the game to clinch the win.

The Highlanders have endured a torrid time at Eden Park, winning just two of their nine matches at the venue, but they got off to a flying start, scoring 10 points in as many minutes. Colin Slade banged over an early penalty before fullback Ben Smith scampered over for the opening try. Jason Emery then got his team to within metres of the line, and from the ruck Smith picked it up and managed to wriggle his way over for the try.

It was Ma’a Nonu’s first appearance on Eden Park since his well documented defection to the Highlanders, and his icy reception turned stone cold freezing when he was sin binned on the 18 minute mark. However the Blues made the most of Nonu's absence, running in two tries during his spell in the bin to take a 12-10 lead.

Flanker Steven Luatua continues to impress and bagged the first try for the home side, collecting a miss pass from Jackson Willison to crash over in the corner, before bruising prop Angus Ta’avao crossed the whitewash moments later. 

It was a brilliant build-up for Ta’avao’s try as Charles Piutau brushed off three defenders and screamed downfield. Rene Ranger then took over as he crashed forward, and when the Highlanders were penalised, captain Ali Williams took a quick tap and passed to the prop who bashed his way over from close range. 

A long range penalty kick from Slade gave the visitors a 13-12 halftime lead, and when George Moala was sinbinned for a reckless high tackle on Popali’i four minutes into the second half (for which he was cited and received a one week ban), there were ominous signs for the Blues. 

The Highlanders scrum demolished the home side as they were awarded three consecutive scrums five metres from the try line, but some resolute defence from the Blues kept them out, and when the Blues finally got back to 15 men they flicked the switch.

Luke Braid, who toiled hard all night, made a strong run, and his inside pass found skipper Ali Williams in support who flicked a great ball to Rene Ranger lurking on the wing who showed incredible skill to beat two players as he charged down the sideline, sucking in defenders before offloading to Weepu who ran in unchallenged for the try.

Replacement Phil Burleigh struck back for the Highlanders with a try to keep just one point separating the two teams, but the try of the season to Weepu two minutes later clinched the game for the home side. Monstrous wing Frank Halai made a break out of his 22 with a strong run, and as the ball went wide Ranger, he beat three players in an almost carbon copy of his earlier attempt, once again offloading to Weepu who waltzed in for the match-winner.

Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Rene Ranger, Jackson Willison, George Moala, Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, ALI WILLIAMS (C), Culum Retallick, Angus Ta'avao, James Parsons, Tom McCartney BENCH: Keven Mealamu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Anthony Boric, Brendon O'Connor, Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr, Francis Saili

SCORERS T: Luatua, Taavoa-Matau, Weepu (2) C: Noakes (2), Kerr Moala

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Buxton Popoalii, Jason Emery, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, Mose Tuiali'i, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn, Chris King, ANDREW HORE (C), Jamie Mackintosh BENCH: Liam Coltman, Ma'afu Fia, TJ Ioane, Elliot Dixon, Fumiaki Tanaka, Lima Sopoaga, Phil Burleigh

SCORERS T: Ben Smith, Burleigh C: Slade P: Slade (2) Nonu

Referee: Steve Walsh

 

HURRICANES 41 - 29 WARATAHS

Westpac Stadium, Wellington - Saturday 06 April 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 19-16

IT was a scintillating seven-try match but the HSBC Waratahs left Wellington disappointed after a sensational second-half home side performance, led by Hurricanes wing Julian Savea, put the game out of reach and prevented NSW from picking up two well-deserved bonus points.

In their best performance of the season so far, the Waratahs proved themselves equal to their opponents in the first period before conceding a costly 19 points in just 15 minutes in another second half lapse. Although Dave Dennis’s men fought back strongly, crossing twice through Ashley-Cooper and Israel Folau, in the end they had left themselves just too much to do against a dangerous New Zealand outfit.  Dennis’s men were left to rue a lack of accuracy at the breakdown that saw them concede a number of costly turnovers. 

The signs were good in the first half, with only 3 points separating the sides at the break.  McKibbin opening the scoring with a fourth minute penalty but an effort from Canes flyhalf Beauden Barrett levelled the scores on 10 minutes. Just 3 minutes later the home side took the lead after wing Savea found space down his flank and dived over in the corner. Barrett’s conversion extended the Canes’ lead to 10-3 after 14 minutes but again the visitors hit back through their scrumhalf McKibbin, clawing the difference back to four points with a second penalty on 16 minutes, only to concede three points 3 minutes later.

Despite only 40 per cent of the first quarter possession, an inspirational solo try from flyhalf Bernard Foley that saw him step several defenders and sell a dummy pass to cross untouched under the posts, levelled the scores again in the 22nd minute. A further penalty apiece took the score to 16-all going into the final minutes of the first period, before another 3-pointer on the siren sent the home side into the sheds with a narrow 19-16 lead.  

An impressive Canes try, set up by quick hands from their captain Conrad Smith and scored by prop Reggie Goodes 3 minutes into the second period proved to be the start of a Canes onslaught. Nine minutes on hooker Motu Matu’u crossed and Barrett converted.  And there was worse to come as the unstoppable Savea added a second of his own just 3 minutes later.

Having conceded 19 points in 15 minutes, the Waratahs hit back.  Lifted by the arrival of four impactful substitutions, including Wycliff Palu, Paddy Ryan and Matt Lucas, they crossed twice themselves, firstly through outside centre Ashley-Cooper, whose dummy pass allowed him to side through the defence with a trademark outside break and fend and 10 minutes later through Folau, whose right foot step created enough space for him to power over for his team’s third try.

Although they created plenty of chances, Michael Hooper’s final effort was indicative of their night.  A fourth try would have earned them two bonus points, narrowing the difference to just five points.  But instead the tireless flanker’s charge for the line fell just inches short.

Hurricanes: Andre Taylor, Alapati Leiua, CONRAD SMITH (C), Tim Bateman, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Faifili Levave, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Jason Eaton, Mark Reddish, Ben May, Motu Matu'u, Reggie Goodes BENCH: Ash Dixon, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, James Broadhurst, Jack Lam, Chris Smylie, Tusi Pisi, Reynold Lee-Lo

SCORERS T: Julian Savea (2), Goodes, Matu'u C: Barrett (3) P: Barrett (5)

Waratahs: Israel Folau, Peter Betham, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Drew Mitchell, Bernard Foley, Brendan McKibbin, Pat McCutcheon, Michael Hooper, DAVE DENNIS (C), Kane Douglas, Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, John Ulugia, Benn Robinson BENCH: Luke Holmes, Paddy Ryan, Mitchell Chapman, Wycliff Palu, Matt Lucas, Ben Volavola, Tom Kingston

SCORERS T: Foley, Ashley-Cooper, Folau C: McKibbin P: McKibbin (4)

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan

 

 

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THE Sharks and Toyota Cheetahs were the big winners this weekend as the Southern Kings averted defeat in their first ever tour match in Australia against the team that topped the Vodacom Super Rugby standings.

It was a weekend of high drama in Canberra, Durban and Bloemfontein, where the only South African team that did not avoid defeat was the DHL Stormers, who went down to the Toyota Cheetahs in a typically tough derby.

The 26-24 win on Saturday was a very special one for the Toyota Cheetahs – it was the first time they’ve won five successive Vodacom Super Rugby matches and their first victory over the DHL Stormers in six years.

On Friday evening in Durban, The Sharks put in a spirited second-half display as they beat the Crusaders by 21-17 – their third victory in 17 matches as a franchise over the seven-time champions and their first win over the Cantabrians since 2007.

And on Friday the Southern Kings drew with the table-topping Brumbies (28-28), but they left Canberra with three log points (two for the draw and one for scoring four tries), while the home team only got two. It was the team from the South Eastern Cape’s first ever try-scoring bonus point.

SHARKS 21 - 17 CRUSADERS

Kings Park, Durban - Friday 05 April 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 9-11

SEVEN penalty goals by flyhalf Pat Lambie was the difference as The Sharks notched up only their third ever win against the Crusaders, by 21-17, at Kings Park in Durban on Friday.

As a franchise, The Sharks lost 14 out of 16 against the Cantabrians since 1998, but history counted for nothing this weekend as the home team stepped up a gear in the second half to cement their position at the top of the South African Conference.

Trailing 9-11 at the end of a first half where the Crusaders played virtually all of the rugby, The Sharks improved a lot in the second 40.

It was the third time this season they could not cross for a try, but still won. Lambie also scored all the points in The Sharks’ victories over the DHL Stormers and the Southern Kings earlier in the season.

And where Lambie had another flawless night with the boot, moving his season tally to 82 points, his opposite number, Tyler Bleyendaal missed 11 points through failed kicks.

Scrumhalf Andy Ellis scored the only try of the match, in the 18th minute, at a time when the Crusaders looked well and truly in control. But that all changed during a second half where The Sharks showed why they were runners up last year.

Sharks: Francois Steyn, Odwa Ndungane, Paul Jordaan, Meyer Bosman, JP Pietersen, Patrick Lambie, Cobus Reinach, KEEGAN DANIEL (C), Marcell Coetzee, Jacques Botes, Franco van der Merwe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jannie du Plessis, Kyle Cooper, Tendai Mtawarira BENCH: Craig Burden, Wiehahn Herbst, Anton Bresler, Ryan Kankowski, Charl McLeod, Riaan Viljoen, Louis Ludik/S'bura Sithole

SCORERS P: Lambie (7)

Crusaders: Tom Marshall, Adam Whitelock, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Tyler Bleyendaal, Andy Ellis, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, GEORGE WHITELOCK (C), Samuel Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett BENCH: Codie Taylor Joe Moody, Dominic Bird, Jordan Taufua, Willi Heinz, Telusa Veainu, Israel Dagg

SCORERS T: Ellis P: Bleyendaal (4)

Referee: Lourens van der Merwe

 

CHEETAHS 26 - 24 STORMERS

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Saturday 06 April 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 7-15

TOYOTA CHEETAHS flyhalf Burton Francis was his team’s big hero as they extended their winning streak to a record fifth victory when they beat the DHL Stormers at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday afternoon.

Francis contributed 16 points with the boot, including a tricky injury time penalty goal, to give the Toyota Cheetahs their first win over the Capetonians since 2007. The final score after 80 pulsating minutes was 26-24.

It was also the first time ever the franchise from Central South Africa managed to win five Vodacom Super Rugby matches on the trot.

The Toyota Cheetahs used their opportunities better as both their tries came from mistakes by the DHL Stormers. Robert Ebersohn (inside centre) burst over in the 20th minute after the visitors lost the ball hot on the attack in the home team’s 22, while replacement scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius scored early in the second half after charging down a kick.

DHL Stormers outside centre Juan de Jongh got both his team’s tries late in a first half where they controlled matters to lead 15-7 at the break. The visiting pack was on the front foot for most of the first 40 minutes as they put the Toyota Cheetahs under pressure in the lineouts and with some impressive mauling.

But the home team never gave up and thanks to Francis’ boot they remained in contention. Apart from his two conversions and three penalty goals, the Toyota Cheetahs flyhalf also kicked a crucial drop goal with 12 minutes left in the match.

It was his 84th minute penalty, however, that did the damage for the Toyota Cheetahs.

Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Willie le Roux, Johan Sadie, Robert Ebersohn, Raymond Rhule, Burton Francis, Piet van Zyl, Phillip van der Walt, Lappies Labuschagne, Heinrich Brussow, Francois Uys, Lodewyk de Jager, Lourens Adriaanse, ADRIAAN STRAUSS (C), Trevor Nyakane BENCH: Ryno Barnes, Coenie Oosthuisen, Landman Ligtoring, Boom Prinsloo, Sarel Pretorius, Brummer Francois, Ryno Benjamin

SCORERS T: Ebersohn, Pretorius C: Francis (2) P: Francis (3) DG: Francis

Stormers: Jaco Taute, Joe Pietersen, Juan de Jongh, JEAN DE VILLIERS (C), Gio Aplon, Elton Jantjies, Nic Groom, Duane Vermeulen, Michael Rhodes, Siya Kolisi, Andries Bekker, De Kock Steenkamp, Frans Malherbe, Deon Fourie, Steven Kitshoff BENCH: Martin Bezuidenhout, Pat Cilliers, Gerbrandt Grobler, Nizaam Carr, Louis Schreuder, Gary van Aswegen, Damian de Allende

SCORERS T: de Jongh (2) C: Pietersen P: Pietersen (4)Referee: Stuart Berry

 

 

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BRUMBIES 23 - 20 BULLS

Canberra Stadium, Canberra - Saturday 30 March 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 14-3

THE Brumbies needed an injury time penalty goal to beat the Vodacom Bulls by 23-20 at Canberra Stadium in a tough match in the Australian capital on Saturday.

This after the Bulls had pulled level at the death thanks to a try by JJ Engelbrecht in the corner, which was calmly converted by Morné Steyn from the left-hand touchline. This try came at the end of a good second half, where the visitors fought back from 14-3 down at the break to level the scores at 20-20.

But Christian Lealiifano’s sixth penalty goal, after the hooter had sounded, saw the Bulls end their Australasian tour with a third successive defeat.

Although they were in it in the end, the Pretorians simply conceded too many penalties – on the ground and at scrum time – which Lealiifano gladly converted into points for the log-leaders.

Two of these came in the last 20 minutes, when Bulls prop Morné Mellett was sin-binned for repeated scrum-infringements, which cost his side valuable momentum. It was 14-13 when Mellett was yellow carded and 20-13 when he returned 10 minutes later.

The fact that the Bulls outscored the Brumbies by two tries to one counted for nothing as their ill-discipline on the ground and struggles in the scrum proved too costly. Their tactical kicking game also was not great, while the use of the South Africans’ bench was also not too good.

It’s the fourth time in the last 10 years that the Bulls have to return to Pretoria without a victory in Australia – it also happened in 2005, 2008 and 2011.

Brumbies: 15 Robbie Coleman 14 Henry Speight 13 Tevita Kuridrani 12 Christian Lealiifano 11 Joe Tomane 10 Matt Toomua 9 Nic White 8 BEN MOWEN (C) 7 George Smith 6 Peter Kimlin 5 Etienne Oosthuizen 4 Scott Fardy 3 Dan Palmer 2 Stephen Moore 1 Scott Sio BENCH: 16 Siliva Siliva 17 Ben Alexander 18 Fotu Auelua 19 Colby Faingaa 20 Ian Prior 21 Andrew Smith 22 Clyde Rathbone

SCORERS T: Coleman P: Lealiifano (6)

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner 14 Lionel Mapoe 13 JJ Engelbrecht 12 Jan Serfontein 11 Jürgen Visser 10 Morné Steyn 9 Jano Vermaak 8 PIERRE SPIES (C) 7 Dewald Potgieter 6 Deon Stegmann 5 Juandré Kruger 4 Paul Willemse 3 Werner Kruger 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle 1 Morne Mellett BENCH: 16 Willie Wepener 17 Frik Kirsten 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp 19 Arno Botha 20 Ruan Snyman 21 Louis Fouche 22 Francois Venter

SCORERS T: Visser, Engelbrecht C: Steyn (2) P: Steyn (2) Mellett

Referee: Jonathon White

 

WARATAHS 23 - 19 FORCE

Allianz Stadium, Sydney - Sunday 31 March 2013
KO: 16:05 HT: 15-9

A try to Adam Ashley-Cooper in his 100th Super Rugby game and six penalty goals from scrumhalf Brendan McKibbin saw the HSBC Waratahs overcome an abrasive Western Force outfit at Allianz Stadium.

Despite recording only 41% possession in the match, the home side’s composure and determined defence helped shut out a forward-dominated Western Force side. The win brings NSW back to back victories for the first time this season.

It was the Western Force on the attack early, with the Waratahs forced to defend for several minutes within their own 22m. The sustained pressure paid off, with flyhalf Sias Ebersohn adding two early penalty goals to move the score to 6-0 after just eight minutes of play.

The Waratahs responded through scrumhalf Brendan McKibbin, who converted two long-range opportunities of his own to level the scores at 6-all after 18 minutes.

Momentum swung further in the Waratahs’ favour, as Force prop Salesi Ma’afu was yellow carded for a high shot on hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau midway through the first half.

The home side were quick to exploit their numerical advantage, with flyhalf Bernard Foley and fullback Folau linking well down the right side to send their team deep into the attacking zone and earning McKibbin another shot at goal, which was duly converted.

Ill discipline continued to prove costly for the visitors in the first half, with the Force conceding eight penalties in the first half hour of play. Their continued indiscretion allowed McKibbin to add two further penalties and take the home side out to a 15-6 lead in the 33rd minute.
                                                                           
An Ebersohn penalty goal reined the Force deficit back to six points at the half time interval - 15-9, but was quickly counteracted by a sixth three-pointer to McKibbin just after the break.

From the restart, a half break by the dangerous Folau opened up attacking opportunities out wide for Foley, who fed a looping cut-out pass to centurion Ashley-Cooper for the first try of the match. McKibbin failed to convert a tricky shot from the sideline, leaving the score at 23-9 after 48 minutes.

The visitors responded quickly, reining in their discipline and stringing together a number of attacking opportunities. Their consistent pressure was rewarded in the 54th minute, with fullback Alfie Mafi crashing over in the right corner.

Ebersohn added the conversion from the sideline and then slotted his fourth penalty soon after to take the Perth franchise to within four with a quarter of the game to play.

Needing a try to steal a late win, the Force ensured a nail biting finish as they mounted one last attacking raid after the full time siren. It was Benn Robinson, also making his 100th Super Rugby appearance, who proved the hero for the home side – forcing a crucial turnover in his own 22 and  allowing McKibbin to boot the ball into touch and record NSW’s third win of the season.

Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau 14 Peter Betham 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper 12 Rob Horne 11 Drew Mitchell 10 Bernard Foley 9 Brendan McKibbin 8 Pat McCutcheon 7 Michael Hooper 6 DAVE DENNIS (C) 5 Kane Douglas 4 Sitaleki Timani 3 Paddy Ryan 2 John Ulugia 1 Benn Robinson BENCH: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau 17 Sekope Kepu 18 Mitchell Chapman 19 Jed Holloway 20 Matt Lucas 21 Ben Volavola 22 Tom Kingston

SCORERS T: Ashley-Cooper P: McKibbin (6)

Force: 15 Alfie Mafi 14 Patrick Dellit 13 Winston Stanley  2 Kyle Godwin 11 Junior Rasolea 10 Sias Ebersohn 9 Alby Mathewson 8 Richard Brown 7 MATT HODGSON (C) 6 Ben McCalman 5 Hugh McMeniman 4 Toby Lynn 3 Salesi Ma’afu 2 Heath Tessmann 1 Pek Cowan BENCH: 16 Ben Whittaker 17 Kieran Longbottom 18 Sam Wykes 19 Chris Alcock 20 Chris Eaton 21 Sam Christie 22 Sam Norton-Knight

SCORERS T: Mafi C: Ebersohn P: Ebersohn (4) Ma'afu

Referee: Steve Walsh

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HIGHLANDERS 33 - 34 REDS

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin - Friday 29 March 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 16-21

THE St.George Queensland Reds recorded their first four-try bonus point victory of the season with a hoodoo-breaking 34-33 Super Rugby win over New Zealand’s Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday night.

There was plenty to celebrate from the Reds’ historic four tries to three triumph with the win Queensland’s first victory in Dunedin since 1981 and also the Reds maiden win over the Highlanders on New Zealand soil since the inception of Super Rugby in 1996.

The thrilling victory was also a fitting way to recognise a number of individual milestones with Director of Coaching Ewen McKenzie becoming the most capped Super Rugby coach in history with 121 games, while centre Anthony Faingaa had a standout game in his 50th game for Queensland. Flyhalf Quade Cooper was another to produce a strong performance with his 14 points scored putting him on 501 career Super Rugby points, joining fellow playmaker Elton Flatley as the only two Reds players to surpass the 500-point mark.

The bonus point success puts the Reds in a strong position with five wins from seven Super Rugby matches this year and they will now pick up a guaranteed four competition points during next week’s bye before taking on reigning champions, the Chiefs, on April 13.

The Reds, who remain undefeated against New Zealand opposition in 2013, secured their first four-try bonus point of the season courtesy of tries to James Hanson, Liam Gill, Jake Schatz and Will Genia.

Captain James Horwill continued his comeback from injury with a dominant 63 minute effort and Genia got through his first 80 minutes of Rugby this year, while prop Ben Daley and winger Rod Davies put frustrating injury layoffs behind them to see their first action in the Reds jersey in 2013.

It took just six minutes for the Reds to cross for their opening try when Hanson took advantage of a Cooper linebreak down the right flank, giving the visitors an early 7-0 lead.

The Highlanders clawed their way back into the contest through two Colin Slade penalty goals before they found themselves in front when a try to No.8 Elliot Dixon gave his side a 13-7 lead after a quarter of the game.

It took just four minutes for the Reds to respond, when they were rewarded for rejecting two potential penalty attempts at goal with Gill the beneficiary of a strong rolling maul.

The Reds crossed for their third try of the half when Genia produced a brilliantly timed cut-out pass to Schatz, who dived over under the posts to give Queensland a 21-13 lead.

The Reds defence was equally as impressive and produced a strong goal-line stand to repeal the Highlanders for 16 phases just before halftime although a scrum penalty after the siren saw the Highlanders narrow Queensland’s lead to 21-16 at the break.

It was in the 52nd minute that the Reds crossed for their fourth try when a well-designed five-metre scrum play allowed Genia to score under the posts.

The Highlanders narrowed the deficit to 31-30 with 12 minutes remaining courtesy of tries to winger Hosea Gear and centre Ma’a Nonu while further penalty goals to both teams put the match in the balance at 34-33 with under six minutes to go.

It was a grandstand finish to an enthralling encounter but the Reds character and fighting spirit again shone through as they held off the fast-finishing Highlanders for a historic win.

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith 14 Buxton Popoali'i 13 Jason Emery 12 Ma'a Nonu 11 Hosea Gear 10 Colin Slade 9 Aaron Smith 8 Elliot Dixon 7 John Hardie 6 Jarrad Hoeata 5 Josh Bekhuis 4 BRAD THORN (C) 3 Chris King 2 Andrew Hore 1 Tony Woodcock BENCH: 16 Liam Coltman 17 Ma'afu Fia 18 TJ Ioane 19 Tim Boys 20 Fumiaki Tanaka 21 Lima Sopoaga 22 Phil Burleigh

SCORERS T: Dixon, Gear, Nonu C: Slade, Sopoaga (2) P: Slade (3), Sopoaga Hore

Reds: 15 Jono Lance 14 Dom Shipperley 13 Anthony Faingaa 12 Ben Tapuai 11 Luke Morahan 10 Quade Cooper 9 Will Genia 8 Jake Schatz 7 Liam Gill 6 Eddie Quirk 5 JAMES HORWILL (C) 4 Rob Simmons 3 James Slipper 2 James Hanson 1 Greg Holmes BENCH: 16 Albert Anae 17 Ben Daley 18 Ed O'Donoghue 19 Jarrad Butler 20 Ben Lucas 21 Aidan Toua 22 Rod Davies

SCORERS T: Hanson, Gill, Schatz, Genia C: Cooper (4) P: Cooper (2)

Referee: Jaco Peyper

 

HURRICANES 46 - 30 KINGS

Westpac Stadium, Wellington - Saturday 30 March 2013
KO: 16:35 HT: 29-16

WASTED opportunities and soft tries cost the Southern Kings as they lost their second tour match in New Zealand, by 46-30 to the Hurricanes in Wellington’s Westpac Stadium on Saturday.

The Kings yet again fought bravely and never gave up against a more-fancied opponent, with Hannes Franklin going over for their third try late in the match, but the 17 points they conceded through two late tries and a penalty goal in the last 15 minutes, proved too much in the end.

When Ronnie Cooke, who looked good with ball in hand, went over for the Kings’ second try with half an hour of play left, they were behind by 23-29 and within range. But the team from the Eastern Cape handed their hosts two soft tries, which sealed the result for the Hurricanes.

Despite playing well at times, a slow start – where the Kings seemed to lack focus as the ‘Canes scored three tries to one, by Steven Sykes, in the first 30 minutes – as well as the sloppy finish, were costly for the Kings.

Hurricanes: 15 Andre Taylor 14 Alapati Leiua 13 CONRAD SMITH (C) 12 Tim Bateman 11 Julian Savea 10 Beauden Barrett 9 TJ Perenara 8 Victor Vito 7 Karl Lowe 6 Brad Shields 5 Jason Eaton 4 Jeremy Thrush 3 Ben May 2 Dane Coles 1 Ben Franks BENCH: 16 Ash Dixon 17 Reggie Goodes 18 Mark Reddish 19 Faifili Levave 20 Chris Smylie 21 Tusi Pisi 22 Reynold Lee-Lo

SCORERS T: May, Smith, Perenara, Thrush, Shields, Leiua C: Barrett (5) P: Barrett (2)

Kings: 15 George Whitehead 14 Sergeal Petersen 13 Ronnie Cooke 12 ANDRIES STRAUSS (C) 11 Marcello Sampson 10 Demetri Catrakilis 9 Shaun Venter 8 Jacques Engelbrecht 7 Wimpie van der Walt 6 Devin Oosthuizen 5 David Bulbring 4 Steven Sykes 3 Kevin Buys 2 Bandise Maku 1 Schalk Ferreira BENCH: 16 Hannes Franklin 17 Grant Kemp 18 Rynier Bernardo 19 Daniel Adongo 20 Nicolas Vergallo 21 Waylon Murray 22 Hadleigh Parkes

SCORERS T: Sykes, Cooke, Franklin C: Catrakilis (2), Whitehead P: Catrakilis (3)

Referee: Nick Briant

 

CHIEFS 23 - 16 BLUES

Bay Park Stadium, Mount Maunganui - Saturday 30 March 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 9-6

A strong second half performance by the Chiefs was enough to overcome a spirited Blues side 23-16 at ASB Baypark Stadium in Mount Maunganui. It was certainly a bruising affair as the both sides went tryless in the first 40 minutes, but eventually the Chiefs went on to pick up the crucial competition points as they head into their bye week.

The opening stages of the match was highlighted by crunching defence as the Chiefs were reduced to 14 men for 10 minutes, rather unfortunately, when second five Bundee Aki made a reckless tackle on the Blues Rene Ranger. The visitors looked dangerous spreading the ball but a turnover almost cost the Blues after Chiefs fullback Gareth Anscombe appeared to have scored, before the TMO ruled Mike Fitzgerald was offside at the breakdown. What could have been a try for the Chiefs was a penalty for Blues five-eighth Chris Noakes.

Anscombe struck back with 3 points of his own before a brilliant counter attack, sparked by Aaron Cruden, put Lelia Masaga down the sideline and applied real heat to the Blues defence. Richard Kahui, who last week returned from a lengthy injury lay-off, threatened on several occasions with his strong angled runs, while the accurate kicking of Anscombe put the Chiefs in front.

The home side were in scintillating attacking form as Masaga split the Blues defensive line once more to go agonisingly close, before Asaeli Tikoirotuma rumbled over Frank Halai moments later - only to have put a foot into touch.

Both Anscombe and Noakes exchanged penalty kicks heading into the break as the Chiefs created their fair share of opportunities in an exciting first half, 9-6.

The Chiefs finally breached the Blues line seven minutes into the second spell as the hosts surged forward and substitute Ben Tameifuna crashed over for the first try of the match.

An offside call against the Chiefs allowed Noakes to slot his third penalty to close the gap but the champions still appeared to have gained the ascendancy over their rivals. Having camped down in the Blues half for the majority of the match, an attempt at a clearance kick by Frances Saili was charged down by Kahui who regathered to dot down under the posts and stretch the Chiefs lead.

The home side were forced to defend in the final 10 minutes as the Blues continued to fight away and eventually winger George Moala found himself in space down the sideline to score in the corner and set up a nail biting finish.

Looking to deny the Blues a bonus point Cruden lined up for a drop goal which almost backfired as it was charged down, but the Chiefs were able to recover and Referee Jonathan Kaplan signalled for full time.

Chiefs: 15 Gareth Anscombe 14 Lelia Masaga 13 Richard Kahui 12 Bundee Aki 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma 10 Aaron Cruden 9 Augustine Pulu 8 Fritz Lee 7 Tanerau Latimer 6 LIAM MESSAM (C) 5 Brodie Retallick 4 Michael Fitzgerald 3 Ben Afeaki 2 Hika Elliot 1 Toby Smith BENCH: 16 Rhys Marshall 17 Ben Tameifuna 18 Nick Crosswell 19 Sam Cane 20 Brendon Leonard 21 Andrew Horrell 22 Patrick Osborne

SCORERS T: Tameifuna, Kahui C: Anscombe (2) P: Anscombe (3) Aki

Blues: 15 Charles Piutau 14 Frank Halai 13 Rene Ranger 12 Francis Saili 11 George Moala 10 Chris Noakes 9 Piri Weepu 8 Peter Saili 7 Luke Braid 6 Steven Luatua 5 ALI WILLIAMS (C) 4 Culum Retallick 3 Angus Ta'avao 2 James Parsons 1 Tom McCartney BENCH: 16 Quentin MacDonald 17 Ofa Tu'ungafasi 18 Anthony Boric 19 Brendon O'Connor 20 Jamison Gibson-Park 21 Baden Kerr 22 Jackson Willison

SCORERS T: Moala C: Kerr P: Noakes (3)

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan

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THE Toyota Cheetahs were the only South African Vodacom Super Rugby team to walk away with a win this weekend after they scored a brilliant victory over the Melbourne Rebels in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

The men from Central South Africa have now won their last four matches and looked thoroughly impressive against the Rebels, whom they beat by 34-16, scoring five tries in the process.

However, the Southern Kings, Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers were all beaten on a rather bleak Saturday from a South African perspective.

The Kings were brave as they went down 30-46 to the Hurricanes in Wellington, with a slow start and a number of soft moments late in the game costing them dearly in only their second tour match ever.

In Canberra, the table-topping Brumbies needed an injury-time penalty goal to beat the Vodacom Bulls by 23-20.

Despite leading 11-0 halfway through the first half, the DHL Stormers lost their fourth successive match against the Crusaders, by 19-14, in Cape Town. It was a very physical encounter where the Capetonians’ struggles in the set pieces, especially the lineout, proved very costly.

CHEETAHS 34 - 16 MELBOURNE REBELS

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Saturday 30 March 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 10-6

IT was wet and miserable in Bloemfontein, but the conditions did not bother the Toyota Cheetahs as they secured their fourth win on the trot when they crushed the Melbourne Rebels by 34-16 at the Free State Stadium on Saturday.

It was only the second time in the Toyota Cheetahs’ existence as a franchise that they won four matches consecutively, and they did it in style.

After winning three matches on tour, the team from Bloemfontein returned home and outscored the Rebels by five tries – all of them scored by their backs – to the Rebels’ late five-pointer in a one-sided match.

Four of the Toyota Cheetahs’ tries came in the second half – three of them in a frantic period of superb attacking rugby between the 65th and 73rd minutes. In this time, Willie le Roux, Johann Sadie and Ryno Benjamin went over for well-worked tries.

Earlier in the second half, Raymond Rhule dotted down under the posts after a great break by Robert Ebersohn, who used a deft back-hand pass to put the Cheetahs speedster away for a great try.

The Toyota Cheetahs, whose first try, by Hennie Daniller came after good pressure play, laid the platform upfront and executed their set piece well. They also remained patient and took their chances when they were there. It was a polished performance by the Cheetahs, who moved into second position in the SA Conference – and sixth overall.

Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller 14 Willie le Roux 13 Johan Sadie 12 Robert Ebersohn 11 Raymond Rhule 10 Riaan Smit 9 Sarel Pretorius 8 Phillip van der Walt 7 Lappies Labuschagne 6 Heinrich Brussow 5 Francois Uys 4 Lood de Jager 3 Lourens Adriaanse 2 ADRIAAN STRAUSS (C) 1 Trevor Nyakane BENCH: 16 Ryno Barnes 17 Coenie Oosthuisen 18 Rynhard Landman 19 Boom Prinsloo 20 Piet van Zyl 21 Burton Francis 22 Ryno Benjamin

SCORERS T: Daniller, Rhule, le Roux, Sadie, Benjamin C: Francis (3) P: Francis

Rebels: 15 James O'Connor 14 Richard Kingi 13 Mitch Inman 12 Lachlan Mitchell 11 Jason Woodward 10 Angus Roberts 9 Nick Phipps 8 Scott Higginbotham 7 Jordy Reid 6 GARETH DELVE (C) 5 Luke Jones 4 Hugh Pyle 3 Paul Alo-Emile 2 Ged Robinson 1 Nic Henderson BENCH: 16 Shota Horie 17 Laurie Weeks 18 Cadeyrn Neville 19 Jarrod Saffy 20 Scott Fuglistaller 21 Nic Stirzaker 22 Rory Sidey

SCORERS T: Neville C: O'Connor P: O'Connor (3) Jones

Referee: Glen Jackson

 

STORMERS 14 - 19 CRUSADERS

DHL Newlands Stadium, Cape Town - Saturday 30 March 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 11-13

THE Crusaders remained the DHL Stormers’ bogey team in Vodacom Super Rugby with a 19-14 win at DHL Newlands in Cape Town on a windy and cool Saturday evening.

It was the Crusaders’ fourth successive win over the DHL Stormers, and to make matters worse for the Capetonians, three of these defeats were at DHL Newlands.

The DHL Stormers were still in it right until the end, but the Crusaders’ defence held firm as they capped a fine display on a night where the home team struggled at line-out time, with their tactical kicking and with their discipline – Duane Vermeulen was sin-binned for an illegal tackle midway through the second half. It was the DHL Stormers’ first yellow card of the season.

The DHL Stormers’ defence was once again solid and they conceded only one try, late in the first half to Matt Todd, but they simply made too many unforced errors and struggled to get their hands on the ball in a match where the Crusaders simply played better rugby.

Their line-out issues meant one of the DHL Stormers’ greatest weapons, their rolling maul, was nullified. Early in the match they got a great maul going and Siya Kolisi scored for the home team, it took the home team another hour before they got another opportunity to drive from a line-out.

The seven-time champions were tactically better and constantly turned the DHL Stormers around with pin-point kicking. By disrupting or stealing the Capetonians possession at the ensuing line-out, the visitors ensured they stayed in the right half of the field.

And as more and more mistakes crept into the DHL Stormers’ game the Crusaders erased an 11-0 deficit in the second quarter and when they took the lead shortly before the break, they remained ahead on the scoreboard until the end.

Stormers: 15 Joe Pietersen 14 Gio Aplon 13 Juan de Jongh 12 JEAN DE VILLIERS (C) 11 Gerhard van den Heever 10 Elton Jantjies 9 Dewaldt Duvenage 8 Duane Vermeulen 7 Rynhardt Elstadt 6 Siya Kolisi 5 Andries Bekker 4 De Kock Steenkamp 3 Frans Malherbe  2 Deon Fourie 1 Pat Cilliers BENCH: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout 17 Brok Harris 18 Don Armand 19 Nizaam Carr 20 Nic Groom 21 Damian de Allende 22 Jaco Taute

SCORERS T: Kolisi P: Pietersen (3) Vermeulen

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg 14 Tom Marshall 13 Robbie Fruean 12 Ryan Crotty 11 Johnny McNicholl 10 Tyler Bleyendaal 9 Willi Heinz 8 Luke Whitelock 7 Matt Todd 6 GEORGE WHITELOCK (C) 5 Samuel Whitelock 4 Luke Romano 3 Owen Franks 2 Corey Flynn 1 Wyatt Crockett BENCH: 16 Ben Funnell 17 Joe Moody 18 Dominic Bird 19 Jordan Taufua 20 Andy Ellis 21 Adam Whitelock 22 Zac Guildford

SCORERS T: Todd C: Bleyendaal P: Bleyendaal (4)

Referee: Craig Joubert

 

 

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FORCE 10 - 19 CHEETAHS

NIB Stadium, Perth - Saturday 23 March 2013
KO: 18:40 HT: 7-6

Force: Will Tupou, Patrick Dellit, Winston Stanley, Kyle Godwin, Alfie Mafi, Sias Ebersohn, Alby Mathewson, Richard Brown, Chris Alcock, Angus Cottrell, Hugh McMeniman, Toby Lynn, Salesi Ma'afu, Nathan Charles, PEK COWAN(C) BENCH: Heath Tessmann, Tetera Faulkner, Sam Wykes, Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson, Mick Snowden, Jayden Hayward

SCORERS T: Stanley C: Ebersohn P: Hayward

Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Willie le Roux, Johan Sadie, Robert Ebersohn, Raymond Rhule, Riaan Smit, Sarel Pretorius, Phillip van der Walt, Lappies Labuschagne, Heinrich Brüssow, Francois Uys, Lood de Jager, Lourens Adriaanse, ADRIAAN STRAUSS (C), Trevor Nyakane BENCH: Ryno Barnes, Coenie Oosthuisen, Rynhard Landman, Boom Prinsloo, Piet van Zyl, Burton Francis, Ryno Benjamin

SCORERS T: le Roux C: Smit P: Smit (4)

 

REDS 23 - 18 BULLS

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane - Saturday 23 March 2013
KO: 18:40 HT: 13-6

Reds: Jono Lance, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Jarrad Butler, Eddie Quirk, JAMES HORWILL (C), Ed O'Donoghue, James Slipper, James Hanson, Greg Holmes BENCH: Saia Faingaa, Albert Anae, Rob Simmons, Curtis Browning, Nigel Ah Wong, Nick Frisby, Mike Harris

SCORERS T: Lance, Cooper C: Cooper (2) P: Cooper (3) Lance

Bulls: Zane Kirchner, Lionel Mapoe, JJ Engelbrecht, Francois Venter, Bjorn Basson, Louis Fouche, Jano Vermaak, PIERRE SPIES (C), Dewald Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Grant Hattingh, Paul Willemse, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Morne Mellett BENCH: Willie Wepener, Frik Kirsten, Juandre Kruger, Jacques Potgieter, Ruan Snyman, Morne Steyn, Jan Serfontein

SCORERS P: Fouche (5), Steyn Mapoe

 

WARATAHS 30 - 27 BLUES

Allianz Stadium, Sydney - Sunday 24 March 2013
KO: 16:05 HT: 10-24

Waratahs: Israel Folau, Peter Betham, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Drew Mitchell, Bernard Foley, Brendan McKibbin, Pat McCutcheon, Michael Hooper, DAVE DENNIS (C), Kane Douglas, Sitaleki Timani, Paddy Ryan, John Ulugia, Benn Robinson BENCH: Luke Holmes, Sekope Kepu, Mitchell Chapman, Jed Holloway, Matt Lucas, Ben Volavola, Tom Kingston

SCORERS T: Mitchell, Folau, Foley C: McKibbin, Foley (2) P: McKibbin, Foley (2)

Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, George Moala, Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, ALI WILLIAMS (C), Culum Retallick, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons, Tom McCartney BENCH: Quentin MacDonald, Angus Ta'avao, Anthony Boric, Brendon O'Connor, Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr, Jackson Willison

SCORERS T: Parsons, Noakes, Piutau C: Noakes (3) P: Noakes (2)

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CHIEFS 19 - 7 HIGHLANDERS

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton - Friday 22 March 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 13-7

Chiefs: Gareth Anscombe, Lelia Masaga, Tim Nanai-Williams, Andrew Horrell, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Nick Crosswell, Sam Cane, LIAM MESSAM (C), Brodie Retallick, Michael Fitzgerald, Ben Tameifuna, Hikawera Elliott, Pauliasi Manu BENCH: Rhys Marshall, Ben Afeaki, Romana Graham , Tanerau Latimer, Augustine Pulu, Charlie Ngatai, Richard Kahui

SCORERS T: Nanai-Williams C: Anscombe P: Anscombe (4)

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Jason Emery, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, BRAD THORN (C), Chris King, Liam Coltman, Tony Woodcock BENCH: Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, Joe Wheeler, Tim Boys, Frae Wilson, Lima Sopoaga, Phil Burleigh

SCORERS T: Aaron Smith C: Slade Hoeata

 

CRUSADERS 55 - 20 KINGS

AMI Stadium, Addington Christchurch - Saturday 23 March 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 31-13

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Johnny McNicholl, Dan Carter, Willi Heinz, KIERAN READ (C), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Samuel Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks , Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett BENCH: Codie Taylor, Joe Moody, Dominic Bird, Luke Whitelock, Andy Ellis, Tyler Bleyendaal, Zac Guildford

SCORERS T: George Whitelock (3), Crockett, Heinz, Todd, Luke Whitelock C: Carter (5), Bleyendaal (2) P: Carter (2)

Kings: George Whitehead, Marcello Sampson, Ronnie Cooke, Hadleigh Parkes, Sergeal Petersen, Demetri Catrakilis, Shaun Venter, Jacques Engelbrecht, Wimpie van der Walt, Cornell du Preez, David Bulbring, Daniel Adongo, Kevin Buys, Bandise Maku, SCHALK FERREIRA (C) BENCH: Edgar Marutlulle, Jaco Engels, Rynier Bernardo, Devin Oosthuizen, Nicolas Vergallo, Waylon Murray, Elric van Vuuren

SCORERS T: van der Walt, Whitehead C: Catrakalis, Whitehead P: Catrakalis (2)

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SHARKS 64 - 7 MELBOURNE REBELS

Kings Park, Durban - Saturday 23 March 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 24-0

Sharks: Louis Ludik, JP Pietersen, Paul Jordaan, Meyer Bosman, Lwazi Mvovo, Patrick Lambie, Cobus Reinach, KEEGAN DANIEL (C), Marcell Coetzee, Jacques Botes, Franco van der Merwe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Wiehahn Herbst, Kyle Cooper, Beast Mtawarira BENCH: Craig Burden Jannie du Plessis, Jandre Marais, Ryan Kankowski, Charl McLeod, Frans Steyn, Riaan Viljoen

SCORERS T: Ludik (2), Coetzee, Botes, Daniel, Cooper, Reinach, Mtawarira, Kankowski, Viljoen C: Lambie (2), Bosman (5) Reinach

Rebels: Angus Roberts, Jason Woodward, Mitch Inman, Lachlan Mitchell, Cooper Vuna, James O'Connor, Nick Phipps, GARETH DELVE (C), Scott Fuglistaller, Scott Higginbotham, Luke Jones, Hugh Pyle, Laurie Weeks, Ged Robinson, Nic Henderson BENCH: Shota Horie, Paul Alo-Emile, Cadeyrn Neville, Jordy Reid, Nic Stirzaker, Rory Sidey, Richard Kingi

SCORERS T: Higginbotham C: O'Connor O'Connor

 

STORMERS 35 - 22 BRUMBIES

DHL Newlands Stadium, Cape Town - Saturday 23 March 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 22-10

Stormers: Joe Pietersen, Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, JEAN DE VILLIERS (C), Gerhard van den Heever, Elton Jantjies, Dewaldt Duvenage, Duane Vermeulen, Rynhardt Elstadt, Siya Kolisi, Andries Bekker, De Kock Steenkamp, Frans Malherbe, Tiaan Liebenberg, Steven Kitshoff BENCH: Deon Fourie, Pat Cilliers, Don Armand, Nizaam Carr, Nick Groom, Damian de Allende, Jaco Taute

SCORERS T: Aplon, Bekker (2), van den Heever C: Pietersen (3) P: Pietersen (3)

Brumbies: Robbie Colema, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Ian Prior, Fotu Auelua, George Smith, BEN MOWEN (C), Sam Carter, Peter Kimlin, Dan Palmer, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio BENCH: Siliva Siliva, Ben Alexander, Scott Fardy, Colby Faingaa, Mark Swanepoel, Clyde Rathbone, Zack Holmes

SCORERS T: Speight C: Lealiifano P: Lealiifano (5)

 

 

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WARATAHS 26 - 27 CHEETAHS

Allianz Stadium, Sydney - Friday 15 March 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 20-17

AFTER turning in a much improved first half performance, the HSBC Waratahs were forced to settle for a single point after recording a disappointing one-point loss to a resurgent Cheetahs side.

Despite conceding an early lead and losing key playmaker Berrick Barnes to a hand injury, the home side strung together a series of clinical attacking raids to take a lead into half time for the first time this season. But poor execution in the dying stages of the match proved the difference, with Dave Dennis’s men left missing several crucial opportunities in the narrow defeat.

After conceding a try in the opening minute, the home side kept the deficit down with a Brendan McKibbin penalty on four minutes, narrowing the gap to one point with a second three-pointer 10 minutes later.

But the Cheetahs hit back when winger Raymond Rhule slid through the defence to touch down in the left hand corner, the conversion restoring the lead to 14-6 as the first quarter ticked by.

A well executed lineout to Dennis allowed McKibbin to unleash impressive newcomer Peter Betham on the Cheetahs’ 22m line, with the barnstorming winger powering through three Cheetahs defenders to dot down under the posts. McKibbin’s conversion reduced the margin to a point on the 27 minute mark.

Cheetahs flyhalf Johan Goosen slotted his first penalty of the night before an enterprising passage of play from the home side, highlighted by man-of-the-match Paddy Ryan’s second line break of the night, was rewarded with a centre field scrum on the Cheetahs 5m line.

Sustained pressure on the Cheetahs line was eventually rewarded, with centre Adam Ashley-Cooper sliding through two Cheetahs defenders to roll across the line near the posts. McKibbin’s successful conversion sent the home side in with a half time lead for the first time this season.

The next 10 minutes saw a number of replacements take the field but only three points hit the scoreboard, with a second Goosen penalty levelling the scores at 20-all after 50 minutes.

Despite reversing the stats and dominating possession, the home side could only manage a McKibbin penalty, edging them ahead 23-20, before a second try from Rhule on the 70 minute mark again forced Dennis’s men to play catch up leading into the final exchanges.  Trailing by four, the home side set up a climactic finish after McKibbin clawed back three points courtesy of a late penalty.
                                                                                                                                                         
A frenetic five minutes ensued, as the HSBC Waratahs were forced to attack their way out of their own half to steal a win. In the face of sustained pressure, the Cheetahs defence held firm and the visitors were rewarded with their second successive victory on foreign soil.

Waratahs 15 Israel Folau 14 Lachie Turner 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper 12 Berrick Barnes 11 Peter Betham 10 Bernard Foley 9 Brendan McKibbin 8 Pat McCutcheon 7 Michael Hooper 6 DAVE DENNIS (C) 5 Kane Douglas 4 Sitaleki Timani 3 Paddy Ryan 2 John Ulugia 1 Benn Robinson BENCH: 16 Luke Holmes 17 Jeremy Tilse 18 Mitchell Chapman 19 Lopeti Timani 20 Matt Lucas 21 Ben Volavola 22 Rob Horne

SCORERS T: Betham, Ashley-Cooper C: McKibbin (2) P: McKibbin (4)

Cheetahs 15 Hennie Daniller 14 Willie le Roux 13 Johann Sadie 12 Robert Ebersohn 11 Raymond Rhule 10 Johan Goosen 9 Sarel Pretorius 8 Philip van der Walt 7 Pieter Labuschagne 6 Frans Viljoen 5 Francois Uys 4 Lodewyk de Jager 3 Lourens Adriaanse 2 ADRIAAN STRAUSS (C) 1 Trevor Nyakane BENCH: 16 Ryno Barnes 17 Coenie Oosthuizen 18 Landman Ligtoring 19 Heinrich Brussow 20 Piet van Zyl 21 Riaan Smith 22 Ryno Benjamin

SCORERS T: Ebersohn, Rhule (2) C: Goosen (3) P: Goosen (2)

 

REDS 12 - 19 FORCE

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane - Saturday 16 March 2013
KO: 18:40 HT: 12-13

THE Emirates Western Force broke through for its first win of the season, defeating the Queensland Reds 19-12 at Suncorp Stadium.

The Western Australians built the win on the back of a tight defensive effort, holding the Reds try-less for the duration of the match, with the victory marking the side’s first in six attempts in Brisbane.

The Force held a narrow 13-12 half-time lead and posted the only points of the second half through the boot of flyhalf Sias Ebersohn.

Scrumhalf Alby Mathewson was heavily involved throughout the 80 minutes, including two line breaks with one setting up Alfie Mafi for the only try of the match and the left winger’s fourth for the season.

The first half became a penalty shootout between Ebersohn and opposite number Quade Cooper with the Reds holding a 9-6 lead by the 30th minute.

Two minutes later Mathewson orchestrated the sole five-pointer of the match when he found space from the base of the ruck and scooted away before linking with Mafi, who outpaced the cover defence to touch down in the corner.

While Ebersohn landed a booming sideline conversion, Cooper added his fourth penalty three minutes from the break to get his side to within one point.

Ebersohn added his third penalty goal when Reds flanker Eddie Quirk received a yellow card for a shoulder charge on Force centre Kyle Godwin.

The Force appeared to have extended their lead when replacement winger Junior Rasolea appeared to have scored in the left corner. The movement began with another Mathewson line break before the scrumhalf toed the ball through for a flying Rasolea, only to have TMO Steve Leszczynski disallow the try for a knock on.

Ebersohn added a final penalty goal with 10 minutes remaining with the Force defensive line holding true for the dying stages of the match to take the seven-point win.

Reds 15 Jono Lance 14 Luke Morahan 13 Anthony Faingaa 12 Ben Tapuai 11 Chris Feauai-Sautia 10 Quade Cooper 9 WILL GENIA (C) 8 Jake Schatz 7 Liam Gill 6 Ed Quirk 5 Ed O'Donoghue 4 Rob Simmons 3 James Slipper 2 Saia Faingaa 1 Greg Holmes BENCH: 16 James Hanson 17 Albert Anae 18 Adam Wallace-Harrison 19 Jarrad Butler 20 Nick Frisby 21 Mike Harris 22 Aidan Toua

SCORERS P: Cooper (4) Quirk

Force 15 Will Tupou 14 Patrick Dellit 13 Winston Stanley 12 Kyle Godwin 11 Alfie Mafi 10 Sias Ebersohn 9 Alby Mathewson 1 PEK COWAN (C) 2 Nathan Charles 3 Salesi Ma’afu 4 Toby Lynn 5 Hugh McMeniman 6 Angus Cottrell 7 Chris Alcock 8 Richard Brown BENCH: 16 Heath Tessmann 17 Tetera Faulkner 18 Phoenix Battye 19 Ben McCalman 20  Mick Snowden 21 Junior Rasolea 22 Jayden Hayward

SCORERS T: Mafi C: Ebersohn P: Ebersohn (4)

 

 

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HIGHLANDERS 19 - 23 HURRICANES

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin - Friday 15 March 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 13-12

THE Hurricanes beat the Highlanders 23-19 in a grandstand close at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr on Friday night. In a frenetic finish, the Hurricanes held off a concerted wave of Highlanders attack over the final few minutes to win their second consecutive match of the 2013 season.

HIGHLIGHTS  

They outscored the home team three tries to one in a match that was close throughout. The lead seesawed back and forth several times, before the Hurricanes re-took it for the last time through the boot of first five-eighth Beauden Barrett, who kicked two penalties and a conversion along with tries to prop Ben Franks, centre Conrad Smith and halfback TJ Perenara.

For the home side, wing Hosea Gear scored a converted try and first five-eighth Colin Slade kicked four penalties.

The Hurricanes set the tone of the match early, making several incisive breaks. Blindside flanker Brad Shields went close to scoring in the corner but was pushed back into the field of play. The Hurricanes recycled from the next ruck and captain Conrad Smith burrowed over the whitewash to score the first try of the match for a 5-0 lead.

Highlanders first five-eighth Slade replied with a penalty for his team’s first points, before the Canes very nearly scored a second try when Shields ran on to and knocked on a clever centring kick by skipper Smith. The Highlanders attacked for 17 phases, leading to a penalty in front of the posts. Slade kicked it and the Highlanders took a one-point lead, 5-6.

Hurricanes loosehead prop Ben Franks then scored a sensational try, running up the touchline and on to a pass by No. 8 Victor Vito to score in the corner after a Hurricanes bust in broken play. Barrett’s sideline conversion put the Hurricanes ahead 12-6.

The Highlanders answered straightaway through wing Gear, who came off his wing and crashed over to score from an attacking scrum under the Hurricanes’ try line. On final attack and Vito ran on to a short ball and spilt the pass forward, thus signalling halftime with the home team in front 13-12.

The fast pace continued after the break, Slade opening it by kicking another penalty to extend the lead to 16-12.

Barrett pushed the Highlanders back into their own corner with a kick behind their line. From the ensuing attacking lineout the Hurricanes probed and halfback Perenara charged through a ruck and powered over to score their third try. The Hurricanes now led 17-16 with half an hour to play.

Highlanders centre Jason Emery almost replied with a try, but was bundled out in the corner. Brad Thorn surged to the try line but was brought down short. The Hurricanes’ defence then held off a 5-metre scrum, but conceded a penalty. Slade kicked the 3 points and the Highlanders were back in front, 19-17.

The Hurricanes remained patient and were rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts. Barrett sent the ball through the middle, putting the Hurricanes in front 20-19 with 14 minutes on the clock, and followed up with a beautifully struck long-range penalty, extending the new to 23-19 inside 10 minutes to play.

Highlanders replacement wing Buxton Popoalii made a break in open play, leading to a Highlanders penalty. But this time Slade’s attempt hit the upright and the Hurricanes won a reprieve.

Not for long though, as the home side launched a final assault - but were unable to find a way through the steadfast Hurricanes defence at the end.

Highlanders 15 Ben Smith 14 Kade Poki 13 Jason Emery 12 Phil Burleigh 11 Hosea Gear 10 Colin Slade 9 Aaron Smith 8 Elliot Dixon 7 John Hardie 6 Joe Wheeler 5 Jarrad Hoeata 4 Brad Thorn 3 Chris King 2 ANDREW HORE (C) 1 Tony Woodcock BENCH: 16 Brayden Mitchell 17 Ma'afu Fia 18 Jake Paringatai 19 TJ Ioane 20 Fumiaki Tanaka 21 Lima Sopoaga 22 Buxton Popoalii

SCORERS T: Gear C: Slade P: Slade (4)

Hurricanes 15 James Marshall 14 Alapati Leiua 13 CONRAD SMITH (C) 12 Tim Bateman 11 Julian Savea 10 Beauden Barrett 9 TJ Perenara 8 Victor Vito 7 Karl Lowe 6 Brad Shields 5 Jason Eaton 4 Jeremy Thrush 3 Ben May 2 Motu Matu'u 1 Ben Franks BENCH: 16 Ash Dixon 17 Reggie Goodes 18 James Broadhurst 19 Faifili Levave 20 Chris Smylie 21 Tusi Psi 22 Andre Taylor

SCORERS T: Smith, Franks, Perenara C: Barrett P: Barrett (2)

 

CRUSADERS 41 - 19 BULLS

AMI Stadium, Addington Christchurch - Saturday 16 March 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 22-9

HIGHLIGHTS  

AFTER 209 days the Crusaders had their first match at AMI stadium. The fans were glad to have them back, a sea of red flags and Crusaders Jerseys of every vintage greeting the team as Dan Carter got proceedings under way.

The Vodacom Bulls had no answer to the commitment and determination of the Crusaders as they suffered an all-too-familiar 20-point defeat in Christchurch – the fifth time they lost by that margin or more in eight visits to the South Island.

Four penalties by Morne Steyn were all the Bulls had to show until the 67th minute when Deon Stegmann went over from a driven maul but, by then, the Crusaders had already scored five tries of their own as they dominated the collisions and recycled at pace.

Crusaders 15 Israel Dagg 14 Tom Marshall 13 Robbie Fruean 12 Ryan Crotty 11 Johnny McNicholl 10 Dan Carter 9 Andy Ellis 8 KIERAN READ (C) 7 Matt Todd 6 George Whitelock 5 Dominic Bird 4 Sam Whitelock 3 Owen Franks 2 Corey Flynn 1 Wyatt Crockett BENCH: 16 Ben Funnell 17 Joe Moody 18 Tom Donnelly 19 Luke Whitelock 20 Willi Heinz 21 Tyler Bleyendaal 22 Adam Whitelock

SCORERS T: Fruean, Read, McNicholl, Marshall, Crockett, Heinz C: Carter (4) P: Carter

Bulls 15 Zane Kirchner 14 Akona Ndungane 13 JJ Engelbrecht 12 Wynand Olivier 11 Jürgen Visser 10 Mornè Steyn 9 Jano Vermaak 8 PIERRE SPIES (C) 7 Arno Botha 6 Deon Stegmann 5 Juandrè Kruger 4 Flip van der Merwe 3 Frik Kirsten 2 Willie Wepener 1 Mornè Mellett BENCH: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle 17 Werner Kruger 18 Grant Hattingh 19 Jacques Potgieter 20 Francois Hougaard 21 Louis Fouché 22 Jan Serfontein

SCORERS T: Stegmann C: Steyn P: Steyn (4)

 

 

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KINGS 24 - 35 CHIEFS

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, PE - Friday 15 March 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 13-18

LED out by Liam Messam who was playing in his 100th Super Rugby match in the famous Chiefs colours, last year’s champions beat the Southern Kings 35-24, capping off their South African trip with a bonus point victory over the competition newcomers in Port Elizabeth.

The Kings were deemed to hard done by when fly half Demetri Catrakilis was judged to have tackled Tim Nanai-Williams without the ball allowing sharpshooter Gareth Anscombe to post first points. Anscombe and Catrakilis traded penalties kicks with the Chiefs aiming to spread the ball with every run in the opening quarter of the match.

Eventually, the visitors breached the defence with winger Lelia Masaga crossing in the corner for his first try of the 2013 campaign. A second 3-pointer to Catrakilis ensured the Kings were within reach. Minutes later the Chiefs and Masaga struck again with another try.

The Kings held on – just – throughout the first half with Sergeal Petersen’s third try of the season on the stroke of halftime keeping them in the hunt at 18-13 down. Petersen took advantage of a dropped Chiefs pass 10 metres from his own line to sprint away and swallow dive under the poles.

Handling errors began to mount against the Chiefs but still found themselves locked in the Kings territory. The pressure soon took its toll on the home side as Sam Cane rumbled through to score the Chiefs third try. Masaga was in the thick of things once more as he nabbed his hat trick try by blitzing the Kings defence down the sideline.

The Kings appeared to be heading for a chastening defeat by the rampant defending champions as they slipped into a 32-13 deficit with more than a quarter of the match remaining, the visitors having claimed a bonus point to add to the one they took against the Stormers in Cape Town the week before.

For a second consecutive week the Chiefs were reduced to 14 men as replacement Augustine Pulu was judged to infringe at the breakdown close to their own line. The man advantage appeared to help as the Kings were forced to throw caution to the wind, and the freedom it provided allow No 8 Jacques Engelbrecht to dive over in the corner after a succession of pick-and-go’s.

Catrakilis kicked two penalties to narrow the gap to eight points before Anscombe had the final word for the Chiefs, before co-captain Messam hoofed the ball into touch for the hard earned 35-24 win.

Kings 15 SP Marais 14 Marcello Sampson 13 Ronnie Cooke 12 Andries Strauss 11 Sergeal Petersen 10 Demetri Catrakilis 9 Shaun Venter 8 Jacques Engelbrecht 7 Wimpie van der Walt 6 Cornell du Preez 5 Steven Sykes 4 DARRON NELL (C) 3 Kevin Buys 2 Bandise Maku 1 Schalk Ferreira BENCH: 16 Edgar Marutlulle 17 Jaco Engels 18 David Bulbring 19 Daniel Adongo 20 Nicolas Vergallo 21 George Whitehead 22 Hadleigh Parkes

SCORERS T: Petersen, Englebrecht C: Catrakilis P: Catrakilis (4)

Chiefs 15 Gareth Anscombe 14 Lelia Masaga 13 Tim Nanai-Williams 12 Andrew Horrell 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma 10 Aaron Cruden 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow 8 Ross Filipo 7 Tanerau Latimer 6 Liam Messam 5 Michael Fitzgerald 4 CRAIG CLARKE (C) 3 Ben Afeaki 2 Hika Elliot 1 Toby Smith BENCH: 16 Rhys Marshall 17 Pauliasi Manu 18 Brodie Retallick 19 Sam Cane 20 Augustine Pulu 21 Charlie Ngatai 22 Patrick Osborne

SCORERS T: Masaga (3), Cane C: Anscombe (3) P: Anscombe (3) Pulu

 

SHARKS 10 - 29 BRUMBIES

Kings Park, Durban - Saturday 16 March 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 3-26

The Brumbies opened their South African tour with a convincing 29-10 win, claiming the four-try bonus point by the 35th minute as they left The Sharks in the starting blocks, silencing the crowd and making the second half a non-event as the visitors comfortably absorbed what pressure the Sharks could bring to bear in rainy Durban.

HIGHLIGHTS  

The Brumbies Samoan contingency of Joe Tomane, Fotu Auelua, Christian Lealiifano, Scott Sio and Matt Toomua proved tough to stop. Auelua was particularly destructive and eventually grabbed the fixture’s Man of the Match honours.

Between the five players, the Brumbies had enough go forward to rattle the Sharks and muscle up on a forward pack laden with Springboks. It was the perfect platform for the Brumbies backs to fire from, with Toomua, Henry Speight, Tomane and Jesse Mogg all crossing before half time.

Pat Lambie managed to keep the Sharks in the game at 12-3, but the revival was short lived as Toomua stumbled over for the Brumbies third. When Speight out-sprinted the Sharks entire backline to score the fourth try of the first half, the Brumbies had their sails full of wind and looked good enough to leave Durban with five points.

The home team ‘won’ the second half, 7-3, scoring the first points to be conceded by the Brumbies in the competition this season, but the well-drilled visitors were always in control.

The Sharks came out of the sheds a far more committed team, with No. 8 Ryan Kankowski’s try – with 28 minutes remaining – provided a glimmer of hope grabbing the first try of the second half from close range, but the only points to follow were from a Christian Lealiifano penalty with 10 minutes to play.

The locals peppered the Brumbies with some more expansive play, but the rain belting King’s Park made it tough for the locals to gain any real momentum.

It was the University of Canberra Brumbies seventh consecutive win away from home, breaking the Super Rugby record of six which they had shared with the Crusaders.

Sharks 15 Louis Ludik 14 Odwa Ndungane 13 Paul Jordaan 12 Francois Steyn 11 JP Pietersen 10 Patrick Lambie 9 Charl McLeod 8 Ryan Kankowski 7 KEEGAN DANIEL (C) 6 Marcell Coetzee 5 Franco van der Merwe 4 Anton Bresler 3 Jannie du Plessis 2 Craig Burden 1 Tendai Mtawarira BENCH: 16 Kyle Cooper 17 Wiehahn Herbst 18 Pieter-Steph du Toit 19 Jacques Botes 20 Cobus Reinach 21 Meyer Bosman 22 Lwazi Mvovo

SCORERS T: Kankowski C: Lambie P: Lambie

Brumbies 15 Jesse Mogg 14 Henry Speight 13 Tevita Kuridrani 12 Christian Lealiifano 11 Joe Tomane 10 Matt Toomua 9 Nic White 8 Fotu Auelua 7 George Smith 6 BEN MOWEN (C) 5 Sam Carter 4 Peter Kimlin 3 Ben Alexander 2 Stephen Moore 1 Scott Sio BENCH: 16 Siliva Siliva 17 Ruaidhri Murphy 18 Scott Fardy 19 Colby Faingaa 20 Ian Prior 21 Robbie Coleman 22 Clyde Rathbone

SCORERS T: Mogg, Tomane, Toomua, Speight C: Lealiifano (3) P: Lealiifano

 

 

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MELBOURNE REBELS 13 - 23 REDS

AAMI Park, Melbourne - Friday 08 March 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 13-10

IT was positively balmy weather as the St.George Queensland Reds recorded their third straight Super Rugby triumph with a dominant 23-13 victory over the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park on Friday night, the latter looking to bounce back from a second successive second half fadeout in Sydney last weekend against the Waratahs.

Angus Roberts and Alex Rokobaro made their first Super Rugby starts for the hosts as James O'Connor moved to flyhalf and wore the Captain's armband in what was the 22 year-old's 50th Super Rugby game.

Tries to Ben Tapuai and Nick Frisby and 13 points through the boot of flyhalf Quade Cooper was enough to keep Queensland’s unbeaten record against the Rebels intact with the win the Reds’ fifth straight over the Melbourne side since they joined the competition in 2011.

Quade Cooper and O'Connor traded penalties within the opening five minutes, as the game begun at a frenetic pace that ridiculed the intense heat inside a boisterous AAMI Park.

The Reds highlighted their attacking intent early to take the opening kickoff the length of the field and take the lead with Cooper calming slotting his first penalty attempt of the evening. The Queenslanders continued to ask questions of the Rebels defence with lock Rob Simmons, Gill and Ioane all finding space out wide and were eventually rewarded when Tapuai put on some slick footwork to cross for the game’s opening try. Tapuai extended his try scoring efforts in 2013 to three with his five-pointer coming off the back of some strong forward work with a dominant rolling maul coming only a metre from the line and putting the Reds on the front-foot.

The Reds should have extended their lead at the 20 minute mark when their second rolling maul pushed the Rebels over the tryline only for the ball to be dropped during the grounding.

Despite the Reds enjoying a strong territorial and possession advantage, it was the Rebels who clawed their way back into the game with two O’Connor penalty goals, and then Scott Higginbotham almost managed to charge over as the front row turned the Reds' scrum inside out.

Higginbotham was held up over the line, but the Rebels just kept pushing and despite the half time siren sounding, persevered and crossed the line through Mitchell, with O'Connor laying on a beautiful try assist. It was Mitchell's first of the season and with the try converted, the Rebels took a 13-10 lead into half time.

The Reds produced a clinical second half to outscore the Rebels 13-0 after going into the sheds at halftime behind 13-10 despite enjoying all the momentum and a decisive 62 percent possession advantage throughout the opening 40 minutes.

The second half defensive shutout was impressive but the Reds will rue a number of wasted attacking opportunities which saw them miss out on a four-try bonus point with the Reds twice dropping the ball over the try line for what would have been two certain tries.

It took only one minute after halftime for the Reds to regain the lead when Frisby crossed in the corner and a Cooper sideline conversion saw Queensland go ahead 17-13.

It was a deserved try for Frisby who setup the movement by putting Ioane through the Rebels defensive line as part of a sequence which also included centre Anthony Faingaa putting Frisby away with the final pass.

The final quarter of the match was a high-paced affair with the Reds defence and two further Cooper penalty goals closing out the match.

Rebels 15 Angus Roberts 14 Richard Kingi 13 Mitch Inman 12 Lachlan Mitchell 11 Alex Rokobaro 10 JAMES O'CONNOR (C) 9 Nick Phipps 8 Scott Higginbotham 7 Scott Fuglistaller 6 Luke Jones 5 Cadeyrn Neville 4 Hugh Pyle 3 Laurie Weeks 2 Ged Robinson 1 Nic Henderson BENCH: 16 Shota Horie 17 Paul Alo-Emile 18 Jordy Reid 19 Jarrod Saffy 20 Nic Stirzaker 21 Rory Sidey 22 Tom English

SCORERS T: Mitchell C: O'Connor P: O'Connor (2)

Reds 15 Jono Lance 14 Dom Shipperley 13 Anthony Faingaa 12 Ben Tapuai 11 Digby Ioane 10 Quade Cooper 9 Nick Frisby 8 Jake Schatz 7 Liam Gill 6 Ed Quirk 5 Ed O'Donoghue 4 Rob Simmons 3 JAMES SLIPPER (C) 2 Saia Faingaa 1 Greg Holmes BENCH: 16 James Hanson 17 Albert Anae 18 Adam Wallace-Harrison 19 Radike Samo 20 Ben Lucas 21 Mike Harris 22 Chris Feauai-Sautia

SCORERS T: Tapuai, Frisby C: Cooper (2) P: Cooper (3)

 

BRUMBIES 35 - 6 WARATAHS

Canberra Stadium, Canberra - Saturday 09 March 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 21-6

THE Brumbies extended their lead at the top of the Australian Conference with a bonus point victory over the HSBC Waratahs in Canberra.

Twenty-one first half points, including 16 from Brumbies centre Christian Lealiifano, set the home side up for a third consecutive victory, with two late second half tries sending them in for a comfortable 35-6 bonus-point win.

Despite only conceding five first-half penalties, NSW found themselves nine points down in as many minutes, with Lealiifano dishing out the punishment for visitors’ early indiscipline.

The 13th minute proved costly for both sides, with a hamstring strain claiming HSBC Waratahs hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and a suspected ACL injury forcing Brumbies breakaway David Pocock from the field simultaneously, following separate incidents.

Scrumhalf Brendan McKibbin clawed three points back after 15 minutes but a Ben Mowen try from a driven lineout 10 minutes later opened the gap to 11 points.

A second try followed on 33 minutes, with Lealiifano adding a five-pointer to his tally after collecting a Jessie Mogg grubber kick and diving over.

With Brumbies lock Sam Carter in the sin bin, McKibbin added a second penalty to take the half time score to 21-6 but the HSBC Waratahs were still left with another second half deficit to overcome.

With the visitors needing an early score to put them back in the game, Cheika called on his bench to lift the game dispatching Paddy Ryan, Lachie Turner and Pat McCutcheon to take over from Sekope Kepu, Tom Carter and Sita Timani after 49 minutes.

When the NSW pack earned a turnover at the breakdown and McKibbin booted the ball upfield for Turner to chase, the travelling contingent of NSW fans were given some hope. A nice break from fellow wing Drew Mitchell creating another attacking chance just moments later, only for another handling error to disrupt their momentum.

From then on in, it was the Brumbies who finished strongly. The home side dominated possession in the closing 10 minutes, which was played entirely without a scrum meaning neither team was called on to replace sin binned props Benn Robinson and Ben Alexander, who both left the field after an incident in the 70th minute.

Two late tries to Brumbies backs Henry Speight and replacement Robbie Coleman secured the bonus point for the Canberrians and put the result well beyond reach at 35-6.

Brumbies 15 Jesse Mogg 14 Henry Speight 13 Andrew Smith 12 Christian Lealiifano 11 Clyde Rathbone 10 Matt Toomua 9 Nic White 8 BEN MOWEN (C) 7 David Pocock 6 Peter Kimlin 5 Sam Carter 4 Scott Fardy 3 Dan Palmer 2 Stephen Moore 1 Ben Alexander BENCH: 16 Siliva Siliva 17 Scott Sio 18 Fotu Auelua 19 George Smith 20 Ian Prior 21 Robbie Coleman 22 Joe Tomane

SCORERS T: Mowen, Lealiifano, Speight, Coleman C: Lealiifano (2), Prior P: Lealiifano (3) Carter, Alexander

Waratahs 15 Ben Volavola 14 Israel Folau 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper 12 Tom Carter 11 Drew Mitchell 10 Bernard Foley 9 Brendan McKibbin 8 DAVE DENNIS (C) 7 Michael Hooper 6 Mitchell Chapman 5 Kane Douglas 4 Sitaleki Timani 3 Sekope Kepu 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau 1 Benn Robinson BENCH: 16 Luke Holmes 17 Paddy Ryan 18 Greg Peterson 19 Lopeti Timani 20 Pat McCutcheon 21 Matt Lucas 22 Lachie Turner

SCORERS P: McKibbin (2) Robinson

 

 

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HURRICANES 29 - 28 CRUSADERS

Westpac Stadium, Wellington - Friday 08 March 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 12-7

IN perfect conditions, four converted tries, Dan Carter on song - ingredients one might have thought would have produced the right mix at the Cake Tin. It certainly looked that way heading into the closing stages but an intercept try to Hurricane Alapati Leuia proved the decisive act in what was a see-saw clash giving the Hurricanes a thrilling 29-28 win over the Crusaders at Westpac Stadium in round four of the Super Rugby competition.

Leiua read a Crusaders backline move from a lineout in centre field and flew up out of his line to pluck the pass out of the air and sprint 40 metres to score the match winner under the posts. First five-eighth Beauden Barrett, who had previously kicked five penalties including two crucial long-range strikes, kicked the conversion and the Hurricanes were back in front for the first time since early in the first half.

The drama did not end there though. The visitors worked their way back up field and positioned first five-eighth Dan Carter in the pocket for a dropped goal. But Carter’s pot from in front flew wide and the 13,000-strong crowd breathed a collective sigh of relief.

The win for the Hurricanes was the perfect celebration for Victor Vito and Dane Coles who were both playing their 50th Super Rugby games, ahead of their next match in Dunedin next Friday against the Highlanders.

In a match dominated by handling errors and turnovers by both sides, the Hurricanes were out-scored four tries to two, but Barrett’s boot and an earlier sensational try to left wing Julian Savea kept them in touch after the Crusaders had pounced on mistakes to score three second half tries.

Against the run of play, the Crusaders scored the opening try of the match, second five-eighth Ryan Crotty fielding a Hurricanes clearing kick in play and skipping through to cross near the posts. First five-eighth Carter converted Crotty’s try and the visitors took a 7-3 lead after 25 minutes. Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara chipped ahead, re-gathered and kicked ahead again to force an attacking lineout inside the Crusaders’ 22. Barrett converted a subsequent penalty from in front to close the gap to a point. The Hurricanes broke out up field, right wing Leiua making a powerful run up the touchline leading to another penalty for Barrett from 40 metres on the angle. Barrett made no mistake again and the Hurricanes re-took the lead. Barely a minute later, the Crusaders infringed at another breakdown and Barrett banged over his fourth penalty from near halfway to extend the Hurricanes lead to 12-7 a minute out from halftime.

Barrett may have kicked four penalties to put the Hurricanes ahead 12-7 at halftime, but the Crusaders stormed back with two tries from Corey Flynn and Israel Dagg in quick succession to move ahead 21-12.

Needing to strike back, the Hurricanes stole an overthrown Crusaders lineout and spread the ball wide to centre Conrad Smith, who shoveled the last pass on to left wing Savea. With little room to work with, Savea took the direct route to the try line, steamrolling over the top of two defenders including previous try scorer Dagg, to score. Barrett kicked the conversion, closing the gap to 19-21 to set up the grandstand finish.

Two minutes later the Hurricanes went close to creating a carbon copy try, again stealing a wobbly Crusaders lineout and again going wide to Savea. But the red and blacks swarmed on defence and held on. Once more the Crusaders broke out from a turnover and scored another long-range try, first five-eighth Dan Carter the scorer. Carter converted his own try, pushing the Crusaders out to a 28-19 lead.

A knock on prevented a Matt Todd score for the Crusaders, but then the drama unfolded with Leuia scoring the match winning try, followed by Carter’s dropped goal miss and from there the Hurricanes held on to the end.

Hurricanes 15 Andre Taylor 14 Alapati Leiua 13 CONRAD SMITH (C) 12 Tim Bateman 11 Julian Savea 10 Beauden Barrett 9 TJ Perenara 8 Victor Vito 7 Karl Lowe 6 Brad Shields 5 Jason Eaton 4 Jeremy Thrush 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen 2 Dane Coles 1 Ben Franks BENCH: 16 Motu Matu'u/Ash Dixon 17 Ben May 18 James Broadhurst 19 Faifili Levave 20 Chris Smylie 21 James Marshall 22 Reynold Lee-Lo

SCORERS T: Savea, Leiua C: Barrett (2) P: Barrett (4)

Crusaders 15 Israel Dagg 14 Tom Marshall 13 Robbie Fruean 12 Ryan Crotty 11 Johnny McNicholl 10 Dan Carter 9 Andy Ellis 8 KIERAN READ (C) 7 Matt Todd 6 George Whitelock 5 Dominic Bird 4 Sam Whitelock 3 Owen Franks 2 Corey Flynn 1 Wyatt Crockett BENCH: 16 Ben Funnell 17 Joe Moody 18 Tom Donnelly 19 Luke Whitelock 20 Willi Heinz 21 Tom Taylor 22 Adam Whitelock

SCORERS T: Crotty, Flynn, Dagg, Carter C: Carter (4)

 

HIGHLANDERS 19 - 36 CHEETAHS

Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill - Saturday 09 March 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 7-30

FOR 15 minutes late in the first half of their match against the Highlanders, the Toyota Cheetahs played the kind of rugby that has seen teams qualify for the playoffs in Vodacom Super Rugby.

The Toyota Cheetahs, with their pack magnificent, were sublime and scored three tries as they caused one of the biggest upsets of the season thus far by beating the men from Otago by 36-19 at Rugby Park in Invercargill.

Sarel Pretorius scored twice and Robert Ebersohn also crossed the tryline for the visitors as their Springbok flyhalf, Johan Goosen, kicked eight from eight for a personal haul of 21 points.

Although they conceded three tries, all of them scored by Kade Poki, the Toyota Cheetahs’ defensive effort was much better than in the last two weeks. The also played with pace, passion and patience, used their opportunities and let the Highlanders pay for any mistakes.

Pretorius’ first try, in the 20th minute, followed from a great run by the impressive Lappies Labuschagne down the left hand touchline, while his second came after an intercept in their half, with five minutes left in the first half.

Ebersohn scored in the 30th minute from a charged down kick which was referred to the Television Match Official, but he had no qualms with the Toyota Cheetah midfielder’s efforts and the try was awarded.

Those three tries had a negative effect on the home team. They tried in vain, but could not replicate the Highlanders’ fight back from 2012, when they triumphed 36-33 after the Toyota Cheetahs lead 30-9 at the break in Bloemfontein.

It was also the first time ever the Toyota Cheetahs, playing as a franchise, beat the Highlanders. It took them eight matches to break their Otago duck. It was also the Highlanders’ first defeat at Rugby Park since 2002 – almost 11 years.

Note: In 1997, Free State upset the Highlanders in Invercargill by 49-18, but that was in the days before franchises in South Africa.

Highlanders 15 Ben Smith 14 Kade Poki 13 Phil Burleigh 12 Ma'a Nonu 11 Hosea Gear 10 Lima Sopoaga 9 Aaron Smith 8 Jake Paringatai 7 John Hardie 6 Joe Wheeler 5 Josh Bekhuis 4 Brad Thorn 3 Ma'afu Fia 2 ANDREW HORE (C) 1 Tony Woodcock BENCH: 16 Brayden Mitchell 17 Chris King 18 Jarrad Hoeata 19 Tim Boys 20 Fumiaki Tanaka 21 Colin Slade 22 Shaun Treeby

SCORERS T: Poki (3) C: Sopoaga, Slade

Cheetahs 15 Hennie Daniller 14 Willie le Roux 13 Johann Sadie 12 Robert Ebersohn 11 Raymond Rhule 10 Johan Goosen 9 Sarel Pretorius 8 Philip van der Walt 7 Pieter Labuschagne 6 Frans Viljoen 5 Francois Uys 4 Lodewyk de Jager 3 Lourens Adriaanse 2 ADRIAAN STRAUSS (C) 1 Trevor Nyakane BENCH: 16 Ryno Barnes 17 Coenie Oosthuizen 18 Rynhard Landman 19 Heinrich Brüssow 20 Piet van Zyl 21 Riaan Smith 22 Ryno Benjamin

SCORERS T: Pretorius (2), Ebersohn C: Goosen (3) P: Goosen (5)

 

BLUES 21 - 28 BULLS

Eden Park Auckland - Sunday 10 March 2013
KO: 16:05 HT: 6-15

 

A very strong first half laid the foundation to this first ever Vodacom Bulls win at Eden Park on Sunday. The visitors scored two very well-worked tries in this session and had the Blues at sixes and sevens with their accurate tactical kicking and driving mauls. The backline also attacked with zest when the opportunity arose.

The Blues did well in coming back into the match in the second half, but that effort took too much out of them and they faded away in the closing spell.

The Blues took the early lead with a penalty by flyhalf Baden Kerr, but Mornè Steyn soon levelled matters with a penalty of his own.

Kerr then hooked a penalty attempt before slotting another soon after to give his side the lead for the second time, but the next quarter belonged to the Bulls.

First Lionel Mapoe rounded off a great movement by his inside backs and when the Blues dropped another tactical bomb soon after, Akona Ndungane stepped inside his man to round off a very convincing half for the Bulls, playing in their alternate pink strip.

The Blues came out firing in the second half and raced back into the lead following a penalty by Kerr and a converted try by Charles Piutua. The Bulls responded magnificently and after some impressive play by their pack, Arno Botha exploited some space to score his first of the year. Steyn, who fluffed his lines twice in the first half, kicked the conversion and another penalty to ease the Bulls back into a defendable lead.

A late run by Ranger had the Blues within four with as many minutes to play, but Steyn kicked another penalty on the buzzer to have his team’s hands in the air and that of the Blues on their knees.

Blues 15 Charles Piutau 14 Frank Halai 13 Rene Ranger 12 Francis Saili 11 Waisake Naholo 10 Baden Kerr 9 Piri Weepu 8 Steven Luatua 7 Luke Braid 6 Kane Barrett 5 ALI WILLIAMS (C) 4 Liaki Moli 3 Charlie Faumuina 2 Quentin MacDonald 1 Tim Perry BENCH: 16 James Parsons 17 Angus Ta’avao 18 Ronald Raaymakers 19 Brendon O’Connor 20 Jamison Gibson-Park 21 Marty McKenzie 22 Albert Nikoro

SCORERS T: Piutau, Ranger C: Kerr P: Kerr (3)

Bulls 15 Zane Kirchner 14 Akona Ndungane 13 JJ Engelbrecht 12 Wynand Olivier 11 Lionel Mapoe 10 Mornè Steyn 9 Jano Vermaak 8 PIERRE SPIES (C) 7 Arno Botha 6 Deon Stegmann 5 Juandrè Kruger 4 Flip van der Merwe 3 Frik Kirsten 2 Willie Wepener 1 Mornè Mellett BENCH: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle 17 Werner Kruger 18 Grant Hattingh 19 Jacques Potgieter 20 Francois Hougaard 21 Louis Fouché 22 Jürgen Visser

SCORERS T: Mapoe, Ndungane, Botha C: Steyn (2) P: Steyn (3)

 

 

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STORMERS 36 - 34 CHIEFS

DHL Newlands Stadium, Cape Town - Saturday 09 March 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 26-17

THE DHL Stormers won their first match of the 2013 Vodacom Super Rugby season by 36-34, but it was a close call in an entertaining encounter at DHL Newlands against the defending champion Chiefs.

The home team lead 26-17 at the break and in the process, scored more points in the first 40 minutes of this match than they did in the 160 combined minutes of their first two games, against the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria and The Sharks in Durban.

The foundation for this victory was laid upfront, which is one area where the DHL Stormers struggled in Pretoria and Durban. They disrupted the Chiefs’ lineout superbly, scrummed well and were very effective with their driving play.

The DHL Stormers started very well, with Gio Aplon going over from a superb inside pass by Elton Jantjies, in the seventh minute. The Chiefs hit back with two tries of their own, through Charlie Ngatai and Tim Nanai-Williams, and both from grubbers inside the home team’s 22.

But Aplon ended the first half as he started it with his second try two minutes before the break. With a bunch of penalty goals by both sides, the home team went into the break 26-17 ahead.

Nic Groom scored the DHL Stormers’ third try in the 50th minute and Joe Pietersen’s conversion put them ahead by 33-20. The Chiefs, who were shown two yellow cards during the match, fought hard to get back into the match and although they scored two more tries, by Ngatai and Andrew Horrell, their discipline was what cost them ultimately.

Pietersen kicked five penalty goals and converted all three of the DHL Stormers’ tries for a personal haul of 21 points. He did not miss one kick at goal during the match.

The kicking boot of Pietersen proved to be the difference in the end – his opposite number, Gareth Anscombe, missed one penalty kick – and the DHL Stormers finally have a tick in the column for victories.

Stormers 15 Joe Pietersen 14 Gio Aplon 13 JEAN DE VILLIERS (C) 12 Damian de Allende 11 Bryan Habana 10 Elton Jantjies 9 Nic Groom 8 Duane Vermeulen 7 Rynhardt Elstadt 6 Siya Kolisi 5 Andries Bekker 4 De Kock Steenkamp 3 Frans Malherbe 2 Deon Fourie 1 Steven Kitshoff BENCH: 16 Tiaan Liebenberg 17 Pat Cilliers 18 Don Armand 19 Nizaam Carr 20 Dewaldt Duvenage 21 Peter Grant 22 Gerhard van den Heever

SCORERS T: Aplon (2), Groom C: Pietersen (3) P: Pietersen (5)

Chiefs 15 Gareth Anscombe 14 Lelia Masaga 13 Tim Nanai-Williams 12 Charlie Ngatai 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma 10 Aaron Cruden 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow 8 Liam Messam 7 Sam Cane 6 Tanerau Latimer 5 Brodie Retallick 4 CRAIG CLARKE (C) 3 Ben Afeaki 2 Mahonri Schwalger 1 Pauliasi Manu BENCH: 16 Hika Elliot 17 Ben Tameifuna 18 Michael Fitzgerald 19 Nick Crosswell 20 Augustine Pulu 21 Andrew Horrell 22 Patrick Osborn

SCORERS T: Ngatai (2), Nanai-Williams, Horrell C: Anscombe (4) P: Anscombe (2)

 

KINGS 12 - 21 SHARKS

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, PE - Saturday 09 March 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 3-12

THE Sharks had to work very hard to beat the Southern Kings by 21-12 in front of a full house of 42,000 fans at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday evening, as Springbok flyhalf Pat Lambie recorded all of this team’s points for the second successive week.

Lambie was successful with six penalty goals and one dropped goal, while his counterpart from the Kings, Demetri Catrakilis, slotted all four of his attempts at goal.

The six kickable penalties conceded by the Kings probably indicated their biggest problem on the night – discipline. It’s true that both sides were penalised heavily during the match, but it happened more within range for The Sharks and they duly made the score board tick over each time Lambie got the opportunity to aim at goal.

The home team especially struggled at scrum time and conceded a heap of penalties in this facet. Unlike their problematic discipline, the Kings’ defence was superb and held firm for 80 minutes under numerous onslaughts from the runners up from 2012.

But the KwaZulu-Natalians were probably a bit too lateral on attack and although they created a few try-scoring opportunities, they were kept out by brilliant defence by the Kings.

Kings 15 SP Marais 14 Marcello Sampson 13 Ronnie Cooke 12 Andries Strauss 11 Sergeal Petersen 10 Demetri Catrakilis 9 Shaun Venter 8 Jacques Engelbrecht 7 Wimpie van der Walt 6 Cornell du Preez 5 Steven Sykes 4 DARRON NELL (C) 3 Kevin Buys 2 Bandise Maku 1 Schalk Ferreira BENCH: 16 Edgar Marutlulle 17 Jaco Engels 18 David Bulbring 19 Luke Watson 20 Nicolas Vergallo 21 George Whitehead 22 Hadleigh Parkes

SCORERS P: Catrakilis (4)

Sharks 15 Louis Ludik 14 JP Pietersen 13 Paul Jordaan 12 FRANCOIS STEYN (C) 11 Lwazi Mvovo 10 Patrick Lambie 9 Cobus Reinach 8 Ryan Kankowski 7 Jean Deysel 6 Marcell Coetzee 5 Franco van der Merwe 4 Anton Bresler 3 Jannie du Plessis 2 Craig Burden 1 Tendai Mtawarira BENCH: 16 Kyle Cooper 17 Wiehahn Herbst 18 Pieter-Steph du Toit 19 Jacques Botes 20 Charl McLeod 21 Meyer Bosman 22 Odwa Ndungane

SCORERS P: Lambie (6) DG: Lambie

 

 

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WARATAHS 31 - 26 MELBOURNE REBELS

Allianz Stadium, Sydney - Friday 01 March 2013
KO: 19:20 HT: 6-16

THE HSBC Waratahs notched up a hard-earned victory, outscoring the Rebels by three tries to two at Allianz Stadium to win the Weary Dunlop Shield for the fifth successive time.

Second half tries from flyhalf Bernard Foley and flanker Michael Hooper fired up the side as they fought their way back from a 10-point half time deficit, with a touchdown from replacement prop Paddy Ryan sealing a win in the wet conditions.

The home side got off to a flying start, as fullback Israel Folau regained possession from the kickoff and set the platform for an early penalty attempt for the home side. With his first penalty of the match, halfback Brendan McKibbin notched up his NSW Super Rugby points century, and put the visitors in front after just three minutes.

A yellow card to Tatafu Polota-Nau on 25 minutes opened the door for the Rebels, who bagged seven points in the hooker’s absence after hooker Ged Robinson touched down in the right hand corner from a well worked lineout move. Fullback James O’Connor’s conversion extended the Rebels’ lead to 13-3 with 26 minutes played.

After enjoying 75 per cent of first half possession, the Rebels went into the break with a 10 point lead, courtesy of another O’Connor penalty goal in the shadows of half time.

The home side were immediately under pressure in the second half, after Drew Mitchell’s clearance kick from the restart was charged down, in an otherwise impressive performance. But a solid defensive effort stifled the Rebels’ attack, and the HSBC Waratahs were able to put together 12 phases of their own to earn a great attacking position.

It was the sin-binning of Rebels prop Laurie Weeks in the 48th minute that proved to be the turning point in the match, with the home side notching up 10 points in his absence, thanks to an easy McKibbin penalty and a try from his halves partner Bernard Foley, just as the prop was returning to the field.

After some great forward play and a bullocking run from Polota-Nau, McKibbin almost found the try line, darting through the middle from the base of a ruck.  Although he was stopped short, the ball was moved wide to Folau, who found Kane Douglas on the inside, leaving the lock to offload to send Foley over under the sticks.

When Hooper crashed over for the team’s second try just seven minutes later, the HSBC Waratahs took the lead for the first time since the eighth minute of the match. McKibbin added the extras and the score moved to 23-16 with 14 minutes to go.

O’Connor and McKibbin traded penalties, retaining the HSBC Waratahs’ seven-point lead and setting up a frenetic final eight minutes.

It was replacement prop Paddy Ryan who secured the win for the home side, crossing for his debut Super Rugby try in the 75th minute, while granting the home side a comfortable 12 point buffer in the process.

A late consolation try to Rebels’ flyhalf Kurtley Beale on the stroke of full time took the final score to 31-26.

The game also marked the NSW debut of lock Greg Peterson, who came on for Douglas in the closing minutes.

Waratahs 15 Israel Folau 14 Tom Kingston 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper 12 Tom Carter 11 Drew Mitchell 10 Bernard Foley 9 Brendan McKibbin 1 Benn Robinson 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau 3 Sekope Kepu 4 Mitch Chapman 5 Kane Douglas 6 Dave Dennis 7 Michael Hooper 8 Wycliff Palu  BENCH: 16 John Ulugia 17 Jeremy Tilse 18 Paddy Ryan 19 Gregory Peterson 20 Lopeti Timani 21 Matt Lucas 22 Ben Volavola

SCORERS T: Foley, Hooper, Ryan C: McKibbin (2) P: McKibbin (4) Polota-Nau

Rebels 15 James O'Connor 14 Richard Kingi 13 Mitch Inman 12 Rory Sidey 11 Lachlan Mitchell 10 Kurtley Beale 9 Nick Phipps 1 Nic Henderson 2 Ged Robinson 3 Laurie Weeks 4 Hugh Pyle 5 Cadeyrn Neville 6 Luke Jones 7 Scott Fuglistaller 8 Scott Higginbotham BENCH: 16 Shota Horie 17 Paul Alo-Emile 18 Jordy Reid 19 Jarrod Saffy 20 Nic Stirzaker 21 Angus Roberts 22 Tom English

SCORERS T: Robinson, Beale C: O'Connor (2) P: O'Connor (4) Weeks

 

 

REDS 18 - 12 HURRICANES

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane - Friday 01 March 2013
KO: 20:20 HT: 11-9

THE St. George Queensland Reds withstood relentless pressure from the Hurricanes in the final quarter of their round three Super Rugby match to record a gritty 18-12 victory at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

For the second consecutive week, the Reds defence stepped up in the crucial stages of the match as they repelled a fast-finishing Wellington team that sent wave after wave of attack at Queensland’s line during the last 20 minutes.

The Reds outscored their opponents two tries to none and in the process recorded their first victory over the Hurricanes since 2007 while also extended their strong record at Suncorp Stadium to 23 wins from their past 26 matches.

It was a drought-breaking night for the Reds with lock Rob Simmons scoring his first-ever Super Rugby try in his 51st appearance and winger Digby Ioane ending a tryless streak at home which stretched back to the 2011 Super Rugby Final.

Captain James Slipper again led a strong Reds set-piece with a tighthead scrum in the 47th minute laying the platform for Simmons five-pointer in the second half while flyhalf Quade Cooper flashed moments of brilliance in igniting Queensland’s attack.

The sides traded penalties for the opening 20 minutes of their round three encounter, however it was some good play and pressure from the Reds forward pack that eventually broke the run of seven attempts at goal and set up the opening try of the match to winger Ioane.

Ioane dived over in the left corner to score his first try of the season after some strong pick-and-go work from the forwards and an accurate long-ball from scrumhalf Ben Lucas.

The Reds went to the break with a slim 11-9 advantage and they extended their lead early in the second period through Simmons’ maiden try for the Reds, with the big lock driving over the line from the base of the ruck in the 49th minute.

The final 20 minutes of the match was a scrappy affair with the Hurricanes unable to finish a number of opportunities with the Reds shutting out the competition’s leading try scorers from 2012 with their desperate defensive efforts.

Reds 15 Aidan Toua 14 Dominic Shipperley 13 Chris Feauai-Sautia 12 Ben Tapuai  11 Digby Ioane 10 Quade Cooper 9 Ben Lucas 1 Greg Holmes 2 Saia Faingaa 3 James Slipper 4 Ed O'Donoghue 5 Rob Simmons 6 Ed Quirk 7 Liam Gill 8 Jake Schatz BENCH: 16 James Hanson 17 Albert Anae 18 Adam Wallace-Harrison 19 Radike Samo 20 Nick Frisby 21 Mike Harris 22 Luke Morahan

SCORERS T: Ioane, Simmons C: Cooper P: Cooper (2)

Hurricanes 15 Andre Taylor 14 Alapati Leiua 13 Conrad Smith 12 Tim Bateman 11 Julian Savea 10 Beauden  Barrett 9 TJ Perenara 1 Ben Franks 2 Dane Coles 3 Jeff Allen 4 Jeremy Thrush 5 Jason Eaton 6 Victor Vito 7 Karl Lowe 8 Brad Shields BENCH:  16 Motu Matu'u 17 Reg Goodes 18 James Broadhurst 19 Faifili Levave 20 Chris Smylie 21 James Marshall 22 Reynold Lee-Lo

SCORERS P: Barrett (4)

 

 

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BLUES 34 - 15 CRUSADERS

Eden Park Auckland - Friday 01 March 2013
KO: 19:30 HT: 20-12

THE Blues produced a dazzling performance to thrash the Crusaders 34-15 at Eden Park to bank ten competition points after just two rounds.

The Crusaders were fresh off the bye but it was the Blues who looked the liveliest in the opening encounters as they held onto the ball and built pressure.

The Blues’ ambition to use the ball from any area of the field was clear from the outset, but the Crusaders were up to challenge in defence and when Francis Saili was caught holding on, Dan Carter had no trouble slotting the first penalty of the game.

It did not impede the Blues however as they continued to play the exciting and expansive brand of rugby that saw them attract a bumper crowd 31,014 fans at Eden Park, and they were rewarded for their efforts with a fine try after 10 minutes.

Rene Ranger made a half break and offloaded to Charlie Faumuina who surged forward, before Piri Weepu threw a wide pass to Steven Luatua who crashed over the whitewash.

Charles Piutau was penalised for holding on as Carter responded with another well struck penalty kick, but Weepu responded immediately following the re-start to restore his side’s lead.

Ranger was once again instrumental in the Blues’ second try of the evening as he took a short ball from Luke Braid and charged 40 metres downfield before offloading to Piutau who got the Blues to within five metres of the try line.

The ball was then once again flung wide as Frank Halai finished the movement in the corner.

The Tongan speedster looks to have a knack of finding the try line as he scored again five minutes later, his fourth in just two games.

It was first five-eighths Chris Noakes who orchestrated the five pointer, floating a lovely chip kick over to the right wing as Halai plucked the ball out of the air and grounded it to score. Weepu’s conversion gave the Blues a comfortable 20-6 lead closing in on halftime, but indiscipline hurt the home side as Carter slotted three consecutive penalty kicks to narrow the score to 20-15.

The Crusaders looked more threatening in the second half as they began to bombard the Blues’ try line, but some superb work in defence, particularly by Luke Braid, saw them repel the visitors.

After soaking up all the pressure, the Blues then sparked into action in attack and it was Braid, his face bashed and blood soaked sporting the scars of battle, who came up with the try from close range.

George Moala then put the game beyond doubt with a try five minutes from fulltime to give the Blues a resounding 34-15 victory.

Blues 15 Charles Piutau 14 Frank Halai 13 Rene Ranger 12 Francis Saili 11 George Moala 10 Chris Noakes 9 Piri Weepu 1 Tom McCartney 2 James Parsons 3 Charlie Faumuina 4 Culum Retallick 5 Ali Williams 6 Steven Luatua 7 Luke Braid 8 Peter Saili BENCH:  16 Quentin Macdonald 17 Angus Taavao-Matau 18 Liaki Moli 19 Brendon O'Connor 20 Bryn Hall 21 Baden Kerr 22 Jackson Willison

SCORERS T: Luatua, Halai (2), Braid, Moala C: Weepu, Noakes, Kerr P: Weepu

Crusaders 15 Tom Taylor 14 Adam Whitelock 13 Robbie Fruean 12 Ryan Crotty 11 Israel Dagg 10 Dan Carter 9 Andy Ellis 1 Wyatt Crockett 2 Corey Flynn 3 Owen Franks 4 Luke Romano 5 Sam Whitelock 6 George Whitelock 7 Matt Todd 8 Kieran Read BENCH:  16 Ben Funnell 17 Joe Moody 18 Dominic Bird 19 Luke Whitelock 20 Willi Heinz 21 Tyler Bleyendaal 22 Tom Marshall

SCORERS P: Carter (5)

 

 

CHIEFS 45 - 3 CHEETAHS

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton - Saturday 02 March 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 10-3

FOUR converted Chiefs tries in the final 18 minutes crushed any hopes the Toyota Cheetahs had of kicking their tour off on a winning note as then went down 45-3 to the defending Vodacom Super Rugby champions in Hamilton on Saturday morning.

Behind 10-3 at the break, the Free Staters were still in it, especially since their flyhalf, Johan Goosen, could only succeed with one of his four kicks at goal.

And even after the Chiefs scored their second try two minutes after the break, the Toyota Cheetahs still hung in there. But the visitors struggled to break the home team’s strong defence and were too sloppy at times, resulting in their score tally remaining unchanged.

When the Chiefs found their rhythm late in the match, and the Toyota Cheetahs started tiring, the floodgates opened.

It was the Toyota Cheetahs’ third biggest defeat on tour since they joined the Vodacom Super Rugby fray in 2006 (in 2008 they lost 55-7 to the Crusaders and in 2010 by 61-15 to the Brumbies), and the third time they only had three points to show for their efforts.

Chiefs 15 Gareth Anscombe 14 Lelia Masaga 13 Tim Nanai-Williams  12 Bundee Aki 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma 10 Aaron Cruden 9 Augustine Pulu 1 Pauliasi Manu 2 Hika Elliot 3 Ben Afeaki 4 Michael Fitzgerald 5 Brodie Retallick 6 Liam Messam 7 Sam Cane 8 Fritz Lee BENCH: 16 Rhys Marshall 17 Ben Tameifuna 18 Craig Clarke 19 Tanerau Latimer 20 Tawera Kerr-Barlow 21 Charlie Ngatai 22 Patrick Osborne

SCORERS T: Messam, Afeaki, Tikoirotuma, Anscombe, Marshall, Tameifuna C: Anscombe (6) P: Anscombe

Cheetahs 15 Hennie Daniller 14 Willie Le Roux 13 Johann Sadie 12 Robert Ebersohn 11 Raymond Rhule 10  Johan Goosen 9 Sarel Pretorius 1 Trevor Nyakane 2 Adriaan Strauss 3 Lourens Adriaanse 4 Lodewyk De Jager 5 Francois Uys 6 Frans Viljoen 7 Pieter Labuschagne 8 Phillip Van Der Walt BENCH:  16 Rayno Barnes 17 Coenraad Oosthuizen 18 Rynard Landman 19 Boom Prinsloo 20 Petrus van Zyl 21 Riaan Smit 22 Rayno Benjamin

SCORERS P: Goosen

 

 

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BULLS 36 - 26 FORCE

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria - Saturday 02 March 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 14-9

THE Vodacom Bulls collected a full-house of five Vodacom Super Rugby log points against the Western Force at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday afternoon, but it was a scrappy win and one that would not have left supporters of the three-time champions scratching their heads.

To sum up – the Vodacom Bulls won a scrappy match by 36-26 and while the log points are always welcome, more was expected of them against a team that has not yet won in 2013.

It started very well for the home team, with flyhalf Morné Steyn scoring their first try in the second minute, but after that it was a real scrap, with the visitors from Perth showing why they are regarded as the Vodacom Bulls’ bogey team.

Half an hour or so into the match, the Force took a 9-8 lead when their South African flyhalf, Sias Ebersohn, who left Bloemfontein for Perth at the end of 2012, added his second penalty goal to an earlier drop goal. However, Steyn added two more penalty goals to see the Vodacom Bulls go into the break ahead 14-9.

When Sampie Mastriet, impressive on debut, scored early in the second half, moments after Ebersohn’s second drop goal, things looked better for the Vodacom Bulls, but the Force hit back with two converted tries and with an hour gone, they lead 26-19.

Kudos to the Vodacom Bulls though, who knuckled down and did was what needed in the final 20 minutes, with loose forward Jean Cook, also on debut, crashing over from a brilliant maul and Werner Kruger (prop) sealing the bonus point with the last movement of the match.

Steyn, who scored 20 points last week against the DHL Stormers, went one better this time and contributed 21 points against the Force on Saturday. He is now the joint top points’ scorer in the competition with the Chiefs’ Gareth Anscombe, on 41 points.

Bulls 15 Zane Kirchner 14 Sampie Mastriet 13 Lionel Mapoe 12 Wynand Olivier 11 Bjorn Basson 10 Morne Steyn 9 Francois Hougaard 1 Mornè Mellett 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle 3 Werner Kruger 4 Flip van der Merwe 5 Juandre Kruger 6 Arno Botha 7 Jaques Potgieter 8 Pierre Spies BENCH: 16 Willie Wepener 17 Frik Kirsten 18 Grant Hattingh 19 Jean Cook 20 Jano Vermaak 21 Louis Fouche 22 Jan Serfontein

SCORERS T: Steyn, Mastriet, Cook, Werner Kruger C: Steyn (2) P: Steyn (4)

Force 15 Will Tupou 14 Nick Cummins 13 Winston Stanley 12 Kyle Godwin 11 Alfi Mafi 10 Sias Ebersohn 9 Alby Mathewson 1 Pekahou Cowan 2 Nathan Charles 3 Salesi Ma'afu 4 Toby Lynn 5 Hugh  McMeniman 6 Angus Cottrell 7 Matt Hodgson 8 Richard Brown BENCH:  16 Heath Tessmann 17 Tetera Faulkner 18 Sam Wykes 19 Ben McCalman 20 Chris Alcock 21 Mick Snowden 22 Jayden Hayward

SCORERS T: Cottrell, Lynn C: Ebersohn (2) P: Ebersohn (2) DG: Ebersohn (2)

 

 

SHARKS 12 - 6 STORMERS

Kings Park, Durban - Saturday 02 March 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 0-0

IT was humid and slippery at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday evening and it showed on the score board as The Sharks beat the DHL Stormers by 12-6 in a typically tough South African derby.

Both sides showed superb defence in a match where there were not a lot of opportunities to cross the try line. But it has to be said that the tricky conditions also lead to a number of unforced errors by both teams.

In the end, Pat Lambie’s boot was the winner in this war of attrition, with The Sharks’ flyhalf kicking four from five to score all of his team’s points. Joe Pietersen slotted two penalty goals for the visitors.

Those penalty goals conceded within kicking range by the DHL Stormers – The Sharks had a total of six attempts at goal, with Frans Steyn also missing a difficult kick from more than 60 metres out – were the difference in the end. The Capetonians’ discipline let them down at crucial stages of the match, something no team can afford in a tight match such as this one.

It was especially tough at scrum time, with both teams conceding a number of penalties in this facet of the game, while The Sharks’ loose forwards combined well to create the necessary momentum when necessary, or stopping the DHL Stormers when they build up some steam.

The Sharks recorded their second win of the season, while the DHL Stormers have now lost both their first two matches – admittedly tough away fixtures in Pretoria and Durban. To make matters worse for the two-time South African Conference winners, they host the defending champion Chiefs at DHL Newlands next week.

Sharks 15 Louis Ludik 14 JP Pietersen 13 Paul Jordaan 12 Frans Steyn 11 Lwazi Mvovo 10 Pat Lambie 9 Jacobus Reinach 1 Tendai Mtawarira 2 Craig Burden 3 Jannie du Plessis 4 Anton Bresler 5 Franco van der Merwe 6 Marcell Coetzee 7 Jean Deysel 8 Ryan Kankowski BENCH:  16 Kyle Cooper 17 Wiehahn Herbst 18 Pieter-Steph du Toit 19 Jacques Botes 20 Charl McLeod 21 Meyer Bosman 22 Odwa Ndungane

SCORERS P: Lambie (4)

Stormers 15 Joe Pietersen 14 Gio Aplon 13 Jean de Villiers 12 Damian de Allende 11 Bryan Habana 10 Elton Jantjies 9 Nick Groom 1 Steven Kitshoff 2 Deon Fourie 3 Frans Malherbe 4 De Kock Steenkamp 5 Andries Bekker 6 Siya Kolisi 7 Rynhard Elstadt 8 Duane Vermeulen BENCH: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout 17 Pat Cilliers 18 Don Armand 19 Nizaam Carr 20 Louis Schreuder 21 Peter Grant 22 Gerhard van den Heever

SCORERS P: Pietersen (2)

 

 

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RESULTS

HIGHLANDERS 27 - 41 CHIEFS

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin - Friday 22 February 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 14-16
Highlanders T: Ben Smith, Gear, Poki C: Sopoaga (3) P: Sopoaga (2)
Chiefs T: Nanai-Williams (2), Osborne, Tikoirotuma C: Anscombe (3) P: Anscombe (5)

 

MELBOURNE REBELS 13 - 30 BRUMBIES

AAMI Park, Melbourne - Friday 22 February 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 13-12
Rebels T: Higginbotham C: O'Connor P: O'Connor (2) Saffy
Brumbies T: Mogg, Rathbone, Mowen, Coleman C: Lealiifano (2) P: Lealiifano (2)

 

BULLS 25 - 17 STORMERS

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria - Friday 22 February 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 9-0
Bulls T: Ralepelle C: Steyn P: Steyn (6)
Stormers T: De Villers, Ralepelle C: Pietersen (2) P: Pietersen

 

HURRICANES 20 - 34 BLUES

Westpac Stadium, Wellington - Saturday 23 February 2013
KO: 19:35 HT: 13-11
Hurricanes T: Savea, PT C: Barrett (2) P: Barrett (2)
Blues T:  Halai (2), Piutau, Ranger C: Weepu P: Weepu (4) Halai

 

REDS 25 - 17 WARATAHS

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane - Saturday 23 February 2013
KO: 18:40 HT: 17-3
Reds T: Shipperley, Tapuai (2) C: Harris (2) P: Harris (2)
Waratahs T: Folau, Volavola C: Foley (2) P: McKibbin

 

CHEETAHS 22 - 29 SHARKS

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Saturday 23 February 2013
KO: 17:05 HT: 5-16
Cheetahs T: van der Walt, Labuschagne, Sadie P: Goosen
Sharks T: Mvovo, Coetzee C: Lambie (2) P: Lambie (5)

 

KINGS 22 - 10 FORCE

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, PE - Saturday 23 February 2013
KO: 19:10 HT: 5-10
Kings T: Petersen (2) P: Catrakilis (4)
Force T: Cowan, Mafi McMeniman

 

 

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MELBOURNE REBELS 30 - 23 FORCE

AAMI Park, Melbourne - Friday 15 February 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 10-11

FOR the first time in their three year history, the RaboDirect Rebels have got their season off to the perfect start, defeating the Western Force 30-23 in front of nearly 12,000 fans at AAMI Park.

 

Despite appearing to eradicate the issues in last week's trial, it was a familiar story for the Melbourne Rebels as they got off to a sluggish start as they did on so many occasions in 2012.

Starved of the ball for the opening 10 minutes, the Rebels were under the pump directly from the kick-off when James O'Connor failed to find touch on the full and presented the Force with an opportunity to attack from the lineout, just 10 metres out.

The hard work that the Rebels had put into their defence in the off-season was on show right from the outset as they repelled eight phases on their own goal line, but Kurtley Beale was caught offside and presented Force debutant Kyle Godwin with the opportunity to score the first points of the season.

Godwin missed with the kick, but did not have to wait much longer to get on the scoresheet, knocking one over from straight in front after Ged Robinson was penalised for being off his feet.

The Rebels were putting the Force under plenty of pressure at set-piece time, stealing two lineouts from the back as the Force looked to convert their dominance into points, but when the Rebels did have the ball they were unable to hold onto it for long enough to make it count.

The Force extended their lead when Godwin knocked over a second penalty goal after Scott Higginbotham was sent to the bin, and Alfi Mafi scored the first try of the competition for 2013 just before the half hour mark, as the Force opened up an 11-0 lead.

Scott Fuglistaller and Gareth Delve were doing plenty of grunt work as the Rebels tried to accommodate for the loss of Higginbotham for 10 minutes, and Robinson was looking dangerous when he carried the ball.

And it was Robinson who opened the scoring for the Rebels. With Higginbotham back on the field, the Rebels took advantage of a 5 metre scrum with a big push from the forwards resulting in Robinson planting it down, with O'Connor comfortably adding the extras. A penalty in front just before half-time reduced the deficit to 1 point as the teams went in at the break with plenty to discuss.

Right from the re-start, the Force looked to pile the pressure on again. Flyhalf Sam Christie broke almost immediately after the restart and only a fantastic tackle from Luke Jones kept him from regaining the lead instantly. Nick Phipps did well to collect a grubber kick, but was held up in goal and the Rebels did exceptionally well to defend on their own line and get the ball clear.

But after 46 minutes, it was the Rebels who took the lead. Great work from Fuglistaller to drive the Force away at the breakdown led to a turnover, and with Phipps delivering a lightning quick ball out wide, Richard Kingi was able to draw three defenders before miraculously offloading to Hugh Pyle to run over unopposed and score, with O'Connor easily adding the extras.

The yo-yo game continued though, with the Force hitting back moments later as Mafi grabbed his second from a set piece at the scrum. The scrum had been awarded after Beale's quick pass to release Higginbotham was deemed forward.

O'Connor was able to add three points from just 20 metres out after Angus Cottrell was caught offside, with the Rebels holding onto a 20-16 lead until just before the hour mark when their cause was helped by Force flanker Chris Alcock being shown a yellow card for using his forearm.

Rebel pressure almost paid off immediately following Alcock's dismissal, as a big drive forward was only thwarted by the Force's dogged and desperate defence as they were held up over the line, and then Pyle was tackled just one metre short of the line after the scrum.

Tensions were building, with scrumhalf Alby Mathewson yellow carded as well and the Rebels were in a prime position to capitalise on their two-man advantage. They did just that, a fantastic cut-out pass from O'Connor releasing Kingi to complete a swan dive into the right-hand corner and when the fullback added the extras from the touchline, the Rebels had established a double figure lead for the first time all night and now had just a touch over fifteen minutes to push for a fourth try and subsequent bonus point.

The Force were keen to show that they weren't done yet, and the advantage was pulled back after they knocked on in good position, with Alcock now back on the field. And their pressure eventually paid off, despite stoic defending from the Rebels, with Richard Brown crashing over in front and Godwin adding the points; a lead of just 4 points set up a tense final 10 minutes.

Jarrod Saffy replaced the brilliant Fuglistaller and instantly showed Rebels' fans just what they had missed during his long injury layoff, bringing fresh aggression and physicality to the contest. He was joined on the field by Paul Alo-Emile and Cadeyrn Neville as the Rebels looked to inject some fresh legs and kill off the Force.

They opted to extend their advantage when the Force were penalised for not rolling away, with O'Connor making it 30-23 after slotting truly from 30 metres out.

As the Force threw everything at the Rebels, those fresh legs played a massive part, with Alo-Emile getting low and driving the Force back as they got within range.

The hooter went with the Force in possession, but they knocked it on in what turned out to be their final surge, with the Rebels holding on to win by 7 points.

15 James O'Connor 14 Lachlan Mitchell 13 Mitch Inman 12 Rory Sidey 11 Richard Kingi 10 Kurtley Beale 9 Nick Phipps  1 Nic Henderson 2 Ged Robinson 3 Laurie Weeks 4 Hugh Pyle 5 Luke Jones 6 Scott Higginbotham 7 Scott Fuglistaller 8 GARETH DELVE (C) BENCH: 16 Shota Horie 17 Paul Alo-Emile 18 Cadeyrn Neville 19 Jarrod Saffy 20 Nic Stirzaker 21 Alex Rokobaro 22 Tom English

SCORERS T: Robinson, Pyle, Kingi C: O'Connor (3) P: O'Connor (3) Higginbotham

15 Will Tupou 14 Patrick Dellit 13 Winston Stanley 12 Kyle Godwin 11 Alfie Mafi 10 Sam Christie 9 Alby Mathewson 1 PEK COWAN (C) 2 Nathan Charles 3 Tetera Faulkner 4 Sam Wykes 5 Toby Lynn  6 Angus Cottrell 7 Chris Alcock 8 Ben McCalman  BENCH: 16 Heath Tessmann 17 Kieran Longbottom 18 Phoenix Battye 19 Richard Brown 20 Mick Snowden 21 Sias Ebersohn 22 Junior Rasolea

SCORERS T: Mafi (2), Brown C: Godwin P: Godwin (2) Alcock, Mathewson

 

 

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BRUMBIES 24 - 6 REDS

Canberra Stadium, Canberra - Saturday 16 February 2013
KO: 19:40 HT: 8-6

2013 got off to a flying start in the Australian Capital, with the University of Canberra Brumbies keeping the Reds tryless to win 24-6 on Saturday night. 

This is the first victory the Brumbies have had over the Reds since 2011 and leaves Queensland needing to win the return match in Brisbane to retain the Rod Macqueen Cup.  The St.George Queensland Reds will look to put the disappointment of an opening round Super Rugby loss to the Brumbies behind them when they return to Suncorp Stadium for the first time in 2013 next Saturday and host the NSW Waratahs.

 

The highly anticipated match was as expected a hard-fought encounter, especially at the breakdown, although it was the Reds who earned the ire of the officials to end the game behind on the penalty count 13-8.

Despite the scoreline, the Reds will take a number of positives from their performance in defence with the Brumbies two tries coming off a nicely weighted grubber kick and a last minute interception.

The Reds only points came through the boot of fullback Mike Harris although they did show promise at various stages only to be let down by their ball control at crucial moments in the match. Two tries and two penalties from Jesse Mogg went a long way towards burying the Reds, who struggled to compete with the Brumbies rock-solid defence. While the Brumbies attack showed plenty of quality, it was defence which won them the game. 

The Reds enjoyed the better start with Harris kicking his first penalty goal for the season after just two minutes although it was the Brumbies who crossed the try line first when a perfectly weighted kick behind the Reds’ defensive line was regathered by Brumbies fullback Mogg.

The remainder of the half continued to be a fairly stop-start affair with the match fiercely contested at the breakdown and after another penalty goal to each side it was the Brumbies who ended the opening 40 minutes just in front 8-6.

The second half continued in the same fashion as the first half and a further three penalty goals set the home side up for victory before Mogg’s intercept in the final minute brought the contest to a close.

Man of the Match Mogg was outstanding in his 17th professional appearance, kicking with pin-point accuracy for touch and looking dangerous with the ball in hand. He was joined by Peter Kimlin, Stephen Moore and Dan Palmer as key performers. 

Brumbies Rugby debutant David Pocock and Clyde Rathbone both had solid performances, with Pocock sealing the match with one of his signature steals with 10 minutes to play. Earning his first Super Rugby and Brumbies cap was Siliva Siliva, who appeared on field at hooker for the final moments of play. 

15 Jesse Mogg 14 Henry Speight 13 Andrew Smith 12 Christian Lealiifano 11 Clyde Rathbone 10 Matt Toomua 9 Nic White 1 Ben Alexander 2 Stephen Moore 3 Dan Palmer 4 Scott Fardy 5 Sam Carter 6 Peter Kimlin 7 David Pocock 8 BEN MOWEN (C) BENCH: 16 Siliva Siliva 17 Colby Faingaa 19 Fotu Auelua 20 Ian Prior 21 Robbie Coleman 22 Joe Tomane

SCORERS T: Mogg (2) C: Prior P: White (2), Mogg (2)

15 Mike Harris 14 Dom Shipperley 13 Aidan Toua 12 Ben Tapuai 11 Digby Ioane 10 Quade Cooper 9 Ben Lucas 1 Greg Holmes 2 Saia Faingaa 3 JAMES SLIPPER (C) 4 Adam Wallace-Harrison 5 Rob Simmons 6 Eddie Quirk 7 Liam Gill 8 Jake Schatz BENCH: 16 Albert Anae 17 James Hanson 18 Ed O'Donoghue 19 Jarrad Butler 20 Nick Frisby 21 Jono Lance 22 Chris F'Sautia

SCORERS P: Harris (2)

 

 

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SCHEDULE 2013

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CATCH UP ON 2012

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THE TEAMS

Interactive Super Rugby: click on club to go to official site...

 

 

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