Super Rugby pre-season matches

Higgins

Well we are underway already and it's only just ticked over into February
 
Hurricanes team to play Western Force in Gosford on Wednesday February 3rd.
Jason Woodward, Matt Proctor, Pita Ahki, Willis Halaholo, Wes Goosen, Otere Black, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Blade Thomson, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields Â©, Mark Abbott, Vaea Fifita, Jeff To'omaga-Allen, Motu Matu'u, Reg Goodes. Reserves: Leni Apisai, Loni Uhila, Ben May, Hisa Sasagi, Chris Eves, Michael Fatialofa, James Blackwell, Tony Lamborn, Frae Wilson, Malo Tuitama, Peter Umaga-Jensen.
 
Still no sign of Geoffrey Cridge or Hugh Renton. Do these guys actually exist or are they just a figment of everyone's imagination? 
 
The second match is the one up in Eketahuna on Saturday Feb 13 against the Blues.

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="555810" data-time="1454376158">
<div>
Well we are underway already and it's only just ticked over into February
 
Hurricanes team to play Western Force in Gosford on Wednesday February 3rd.
Jason Woodward, Matt Proctor, Pita Ahki, Willis Halaholo, Wes Goosen, Otere Black, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Blade Thomson, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields Â©, Mark Abbott, Vaea Fifita, Jeff To'omaga-Allen, Motu Matu'u, Reg Goodes. Reserves: Leni Apisai, Loni Uhila, Ben May, Hisa Sasagi, Chris Eves, Michael Fatialofa, James Blackwell, Tony Lamborn, Frae Wilson, Malo Tuitama, Peter Umaga-Jensen.
 
Still no sign of Geoffrey Cridge or Hugh Renton. Do these guys actually exist or are they just a figment of everyone's imagination? 
 
The second match is the one up in Eketahuna on Saturday Feb 13 against the Blues.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
If you know your way around geo-blocking, you can watch the game Force v Hurricanes live via the Force website: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.westernforce.com.au/article/force-pre-season-clash-hurricanes-be-live-streamed'>https://www.westernforce.com.au/article/force-pre-season-clash-hurricanes-be-live-streamed</a>
 
If you don't know your way around geo-blocking and want to watch the stream, you can send me a private message for info.

taniwharugby

Apparently Rene Ranger is cleared to play in the pre season this week after his spell on the sideline for near 10 months from a neck injury

KiwiMurph

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="555847" data-time="1454386018">
<div>
Apparently Rene Ranger is cleared to play in the pre season this week after his spell on the sideline for near 10 months from a neck injury
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Excellent news :)

Tim

<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://theblues.co.nz/blues-fit-and-ready-for-rebels/'>http://theblues.co.nz/blues-fit-and-ready-for-rebels/</a>
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">The Blues will utilise all of the fully fit squad in the opening pre-season match against the Melbourne Rebels on Thursday. 
The match is a free game for the public, to be held at Bell Park at Pakuranga with kick-off at 5.30pm. 
It is the first hit-out of the season for the Blues, and head coach Tana Umaga wants to give as many of his squad a run as possible. 
â€œThere are a few niggles and so we wonâ€™t take any risks at this time of the year but all the rest will play,â€ Umaga said. 
That will include Rene Ranger, who has not played since last April in France, after suffering a neck injury. 
â€œHe has been improving every week. We have had two full contact hitouts in the last two weeks and he has grown in confidence and is looking good. 
â€œWe have competition or positions and the boys have responded to this challenge and everyone is keen to play.â€ 
Umaga said the team is excited to get their season underway out in the Blues community at Pakuranga. 
The game will be played in 20 minute quarters, with the final stanza potentially extended. 
The Blues players to get game time, including All Black and Blues captain Jerome Kaino, on Thursday are: 
Sione Mafileo, Nic Mayhew, Sam Prattley, Ofa Tuâ€™ungafasi, Namatahi Waa, Quentin MacDonald, Matt Moulds, James Parsons, Josh Beckhuis, Patrick Tuipulotu, Hoani Matenga, Scott Scrafton, Gerard Tuioti-Mariner, Stephen Luatua, Jerome Kaino, Joe Edwards, Jack Ram. 
Backs: Billy Guyton, Bryn Hall, Sam Nock, Ihaia West, Piers Franics, Matt McGahan, Michael Little, George Moala, Melani Nanai, Rene Ranger, Jordan Trainor, Lolagi Visinia, Matt Vaega, Tevita Li, Matt Duffie.</blockquote>

Tim

No Blake Gibson? Looks like Matt Vaega is the replacement for TJ Faiane.

KiwiMurph

Probably taking it easy with Blake Gibson coming back from the knee injury, especially after TJ Faiane re-injured.

Dice

<div>Looks like Ram is the only openside available at the moment, so expect some odd backrow combinations during the game, as it's unlikely Ram plays the whole match.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I'm hoping Trainor has a big showing in pre-season, because we're pretty starved of winger-friendly or complimentary players in our backs. Trainor doesn't have much experience, but he does have a fair bit of talent and smarts though.</div>

Daffy Jaffy

The Western Force have kicked off their 2016 Super Rugby pre-season with a 28-0 victory over a young Hurricanes side at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford.
The Force outscored last season's Super Rugby Grand finalists by four tries to none in the match.
The result is will be a big boost for the Force as they played for six minutes in the second half with 13 players as Steve Mafi was yellow carded in the 48th minute and four minutes later Kane Koteka was binned.
The Force started with a bang and showed great persistence in defence holding the 2015 Asteron Life Super Rugby grand finalists scoreless throughout the match.
It took the Western Australian side five minutes to get on the score board through big man Adam Coleman, after a series of fantastic offloads from Steve Mafi and Ian Prior.
Adam crashed over just left of the posts for the first try of the game. Peter Grant made easy work of the conversion and the Force took an early 7-0 lead.
The Hurricanes then put together a number of solid phases, that placed them on the five-metre line, but the Force defence was exceptional, with Dane Haylett-Petty putting a huge shot on rival fullback Jason Woodward, which caused a knock on.
With the match being played in 20-minute quarters, the Force went into the first quarter with a 7-0 lead. The Western Force defence was superb in the first quarter, with the Hurricanes unable to penetrate the line.
The start of the second quarter saw a trademark breakdown steal from Steve Mafi, which led to a swift chip and chase from outside centre Marcel Brache, putting the Force inside the 22.
Dane Haylett-Petty&'s defence was again exceptional in the 25th minute, timing his tackle to perfection and causing another knock on. As well as another cracking tackle right on the stroke of half time.
With neither team damaging the scoreboard in the second quarter, the Force went into the sheds with a 7-0 lead. Solid performances in defence from both teams was the key, with both struggling to finish off strong sets of phases.
The second half saw the Force make a host of changes to their starting team, with Semisi Masirewa, Heath Tessmann, Ross Haylett-Petty, and Kane Koteka all injected into the second half of the game.
After a relentless set of phase play from the Hurricanes in the first 10 minutes, the Force were under immense pressure, which led to Steve Mafi being sent to the bin after repeat offences. Not five minutes later young flanker Kane Koteka was also sent to the bin, and the Force were left with 13 men on the pitch.
The Force went on the attack despite the two-man deficit and pushed hard for their try line.
Steve Mafi stepped back on the field and had an immediate impact scoring off the back of a Force lineout on the stoke of three-quarter time. Jono Lance converted and the Force took a 14-point lead into the last quarter.
Four minutes into the last quarter and after an errand pass from the Hurricanes, Chris Alcock pounced on the loose ball and shot down the field. After an offload to first gamer Richard Hardwick, the Force flicked a pass wide to new recruit Semisi Masirewa, who then stepped three Hurricanes players and dotted down for a great team try.
Lance once again added the extras and the Force went 21-0 up with 15 minutes to play.
The men from the West struck again in the 75th minute, after a strong line break from Chris Alcock, who ran the ball inches away from the line. The ball was quickly pushed out to the left and after a superb offload from Jono Lance to Ammon Matuauto the Force went over for their fourth try. Lance had no trouble with the conversion, taking the score to 28-0.
That would be the final score line despite a last minute attack from the Hurricanes, but the Force managed to withstand the assault and come away with a strong first up victory.
The Western Force''s next and final pre-season match is next Saturday, 13 February against the Asia Pacific Dragons at McGillivray Oval. Kicking off at 5pm (AWST).
Final Score Western Force 28 Hurricanes 0 
Teams 
Western Force (Team):
1. Pek Cowan (C), 2. Nathan Charles, 3. Guy Millar, 4. Steve Mafi, 5. Adam Coleman, 6. Brynard Stander, 7. Chris Alcock, 8. Angus Cottrell, 9. Ian Prior, 10. Peter Grant, 11. Albert Nikoro, 12. Kyle Godwin, 13. Marcel Brache, 14. Luke Morahan, 15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves, 16. Heath Tessmann, 17. Chris Heiberg, 18. Jermaine Ainsley, 19. Rory Walton, 20. Ross Haylett-Petty, 21. Richard Hardwick, 22. Kane Koteka, 23. Ryan Louwrens, 24. Jono Lance, 25. Onehunga Havili, 26. Ammon Matuauto, 27. Semisi Masirewa, 28. Maalonga Konelio
Hurricanes (Squad):
Jason Woodward, Matt Proctor, Pita Ahki, Willis Halaholo, Wes Goosen, Otere Black, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Blade Thomson, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields (c), Mark Abbott, Vaea Fifita, Jeff Toomaga-Allen,Motu Matu'u, Reg Goodes, Leni Apisai, Loni Uhila, Ben May, Hisa Sasagi, Chris Eves, Michael Fatialofa, James Blackwell, Tony Lamborn, Frae Wilson, Malo Tuitama, Peter Umaga-Jensen

Stargazer

<div>Crusaders team to play the Queensland Reds in their first preseason game on Saturday, 6 February, 10.30pm (Ballymore Stadium):</div>
<div> </div>
<div>1. Alex Hodgman; 2. Ged Robinson* 3. Mike Alaalatoa* 4. Luke Romano; 5. Scott Barrett; 6. Jimmy Tupou (c); 7. Tim Boys* 8. Jordan Taufua; </div>
<div>9. Leon Fukofuka** 10. Ben Volavola* 11. Sione Fifita** 12. David Havili; 13. Sean Wainui** 14. Jone Macilai; 15. Marty McKenzie*</div>
<div> </div>
<div>RESERVES</div>
<div>Codie Taylor</div>
<div>Ben Funnell</div>
<div>Joe Moody</div>
<div>Oliver Jager **</div>
<div>Samuel Whitelock</div>
<div>Mitchell Dunshea **</div>
<div>Reed Prinsep **</div>
<div>Mitchell Drummond</div>
<div>Richie Moâ€™unga *</div>
<div>Kieron Fonotia</div>
<div>Mitchell Hunt </div>
<div>Johnny McNicholl</div>
<div>Nemani Nadolo</div>
<div> </div>
<div> indicates no BNZ Crusaders caps</div>
<div> indicates no Super Rugby caps</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://crusaders.co.nz/news/902-bnz-crusaders-team-named-for-pre-season-game-against-reds'>http://crusaders.co.nz/news/902-bnz-crusaders-team-named-for-pre-season-game-against-reds</a></div>

Dice

Looks like Boyd has given up on the Canes like he did with the Lions. He's had his one good season and has now shut up shop 
 
In all seriousness, I'm surprised that that Canes team had no points in them. The line-up is pretty young but there's some good firepower in it.

Chris B.

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Daffy Jaffy" data-cid="556246" data-time="1454496145">
<div>
 ...holding the 2015 Asteron Life Super Rugby grand finalists scoreless....
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Marketing encourages some strange things. I've honestly never heard of Asteron Life.
 
I wonder if I could get a sponsor?
 
"Durex Condoms Chris B." has a certain "ring" to it.

taniwharugby

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="556371" data-time="1454556836">
<div>
Marketing encourages some strange things. I've honestly never heard of Asteron Life.
 
I wonder if I could get a sponsor?
 
"Durex Condoms Chris B." has a certain "ring" to it.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Just cos they are sponsored by Asteron Life, doesn't mean they use the 'product/service' so your sponsor may not be of assistance to you! ;)

Frye

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="556368" data-time="1454555552">
Looks like Boyd has given up on the Canes like he did with the Lions. He's had his one good season and has now shut up shop 
In all seriousness, I'm surprised that that Canes team had no points in them. The line-up is pretty young but there's some good firepower in it.</blockquote>
 
Agreed. Sure they were missing a few All Blacks but it's hardly as if that Force side was stacked with talent either. 
Boyd.....

Higgins

A result like that is staggering considering how crap the Force were last season. It is only pre-season and we don't really know how far along the "pre-season" path each team was but hell you'd expect professional rugby players being paid a minimum of $75000.00 to be able to conjure up at least one off the cuff try even if they had been concentrating 100% solely on defensive structures so far. Clearly the defensive side of things also has not had too much time allocated to it so what have they been doing?

Tim

The Blues twitter feed has live scoring from the match.
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://twitter.com/BluesRugbyTeam'>https://twitter.com/BluesRugbyTeam</a>
 
Blues up 7-0 after 10 mins.

Tim

Blues up 26 - 7, was 14 - 7 at halftime.

Tim

Ranger scores in his comeback game. 33 - 7.
 
McGahan seems to have played the whole game at 1st five so far.

taniwharugby

I saw on the news Piers Francis could be gone for the season?

Billy Tell

If there is one thing history shows it's that these pre-season matches have zero bearing on how the season will pan out. People thinking the Force could be onto something or the Canes have a long season ahead of them are likely to be a bit surprised.

taniwharugby

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="556393" data-time="1454566353">
<div>
If there is one thing history shows it's that these pre-season matches have zero bearing on how the season will pan out. 
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Lucky cos Blues fans might start getting optimistic....

leytonandamanda

52-7 now wow good start for umaga's men 
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

KiwiMurph

59-7 final score. I agree this all doesn't mean much at all - but i'd rather win 59-7 than lose 59-7 in Umaga's first match - attempted culture change and all that jazz.

taniwharugby

3 Northland lads on the score sheet too

leytonandamanda

59-7 final score 
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Stargazer

The Brumbies v Waratahs preseason clash on Saturday (9.00pm NZ time) will be livestreamed here: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.brumbies.com.au/brumbies-v-waratahs-2016-live-stream'>https://www.brumbies.com.au/brumbies-v-waratahs-2016-live-stream</a>
 
Apparently, it's geoblocked and only meant for Australian viewers. If you want to watch anyway, there are ways around geoblocking. Send me a private message if you want to find out how.
 
 
Brumbies squad
1. Allan Alaalatoa 2. Josh Mann-Rea 3. Ben Alexander 4. Tom Staniforth 5. Sam Carter 6. Jordan Smiler 7. Jarrad Butler 8. Ita Vaea
9. TomÃ¡s Cubelli 10. Matt Toomua 11. Nigel Ah Wong 12. Jordan Jackson-Hope 13. Andrew Smith 14. Lausii Taliauli 15. Aidan Toua
 
RESERVES
16. Albert Anae 17. Robbie Abel 18. Leslie Leuluaiâ€™aliâ€™i-Makin 19. Ruan Smith 20. Rory Arnold 21. Blake Enever 22. Ben Hyne 23. Michael Wells 24. Joe Powell 25. Michael Dowsett 26. Nick Jooste 27. Joe Tomane 28. Jake Rakic 29. Tevita Kuridrani 30. James Dargaville 31. Isaac Thompson
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.brumbies.com.au/2015-16-season/brumbies-team-to-play-nsw-waratahs-in-wagga-trial'>https://www.brumbies.com.au/2015-16-season/brumbies-team-to-play-nsw-waratahs-in-wagga-trial</a>
 
Waratahs squad
1. Jeremy Tilse 2. Hugh Roach 3. Paddy Ryan 4. Ned Hanigan 5. Will Skelton 6. David Dennis (C) 7. Jack Dempsey 8. Jed Holloway
9. Jake Gordon 10. Andrew Deegan 11. Andrew Kellaway 12. David Horwitz 13. Matt Carraro 14. Reece Robinson 15. Zac Guildford
 
Reserves:
16. Tolu Latu 17. Benn Robinson 18. Angus Taâ€™avao 19. Matt Sandell 20. Senio Toleafoa 21. Matt Lucas 22. Harry Jones 23. Bryce Hegarty 24. Brad Wilkin 25. Cameron Orr 26. Rowan Perry
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.waratahs.com.au/Waratahs/News/NewsArticle/tabid/157/ArticleID/17057/NSW-Waratahs-team-announced-for-away-trial-against-the-Brumbies.aspx'>http://www.waratahs.com.au/Waratahs/News/NewsArticle/tabid/157/ArticleID/17057/NSW-Waratahs-team-announced-for-away-trial-against-the-Brumbies.aspx</a>

Crucial

Highlanders to play Racing Metro in Hong Kong
 
Matt Faddes, Waisake Naholo, Jason Emery, Richard Buckman, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Josh Renton, Liam Squire, Shane Christie, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Tom Franklin, Josh Hohneck, Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Brendon Edmonds, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Jackson Hemopo, Sio Tomkinson, Liam Howley, Malakai Fekitoa, Tei Walden, Ryan Tongia, Marty Banks, Luke Whitelock, James Lentjes, Mark Reddish.
 
Game is going to be on Sky Sport2 at 10pm Saturday night

Daffy Jaffy

The Blues team that started and played most of the first half was:
1. Waa
2. Moulds
3. Mafeleo
4. Scrafton
5. Marinor
6. Ram
7. Mattich
8. Edwards
9. Guyton
10. McGahan
11. Li
12. Francis
13. Little
14. Visinia
15. Duffie
 A few Subs were rolled on in the second 1/4 and Francis was taken off injured. Despite little possession or territory they competed well, bettered a more experienced scrum and looked the more dangerous side. They only conceded a try after a yellow card and several scrums rucks and penalties close to the line. Defense was excellent through the whole game.
Little was excellent and Edwards, Scrafton, Mattich and Ram were the best of the forwards. 
The second half starting team plus last 1/4 subs was at a whole different level of class, power and experience.
 
1. Prattley/wWaa
2. Parsons/Macdonald
3. Tungaafasi
4. Tuipulotu/Matenga
5. Bekhuis
6. Luatua/Tuipuotu
7. Ram/Mattich
8. Kaino/Luatua
9. Nock/Hall
10. Mcgahan/West
11. Li/Duffie
12. Moala
13. Ranger
14. Nanai
15 Trainer/Visinia
Moala and Ranger caused havoc. Nanai was a constant threat and sparked many of the best attacks.Tuipolotu and Matt Mattich were the best of the forwards.
Generally the set piece and defense were very good, only at the breakdown were we beaten at times. Rebels best were Jones the lock and their 8 and the deadlocked 6 who were outstanding in defense and turnovers.

taniwharugby

Assume that is Matt Matich?
 
Wonder if he is returning to Northland as I heard he is now the RDO for Northern Wairoa?

Daffy Jaffy

Yes it was Matt Matich. He was very good, especially when he came back on in the last 1/4 and ran off those big line break runners.

taniwharugby

was he in the WTG or just one of the players they call in fromn outside for these games? He looked good in his time for Auckland last year.

Daffy Jaffy

I think he was just covering due to Gibson and Pryer carrying niggles and did not play, and Lattimer having just arrived.

taniwharugby

Musta been a rough Christmas at the Pryors as Dan is carrying a niggle and not playing for Highlanders this weekend! haha

African Monkey

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="556394" data-time="1454567243">
<div>
Lucky cos Blues fans might start getting optimistic....
</div>
</blockquote>
I'm already talking up our title chances.........

Daffy Jaffy

Rene Ranger took no time returning to his block-busting best to ignite the Blues nine try romp over the Melbourne Rebels.
It marked the opening pre-season match for the Blues in a free community game with thousands packed in to Pakuranga Rugby Club at Bell Park to witness the 59-7 win.
Ranger, who only came on in the third quarter, scored a try and set up two others with typically exciting midfield busts.
The Blues managed to give 33 players action in the four 20-minute quarters, with the only downside a potentially serious leg injury to Piers Francis.
Leading 14-7 after the first period and 21-7 at halftime, the Blues opened up their lead with some of the high profile players coming on later in the game against a seriously under-strength Rebels side beset with injuries.
Coach Tana Umaga said there were plenty of positives.
â€œWe got out of it what we wanted but take the final result with a grain of salt because they were so under-strength.
â€œWe got a lot of players game time, especially that first line-up with players who had very little experience at Super Rugby against the Rebels combination with quite a few experienced players.
â€œI thought they equipped themselves well. I wanted to test them and one of the big positives is the way our young guys stood up. It is just about growing from here.â€
He was pleased with Ranger and also Matt Duffie in his first game of rugby since school days.
â€œRene is an exciting player. He has grown every week in his confidence after so long out of the game It is just the fitness levels he needs to get back to.
â€œI thought Matt did really well and he equipped himself really well.
â€œThe way we performed and the score line were both good but there are still plenty of things to work on. I think the guys can take some real confidence from this as we move on.â€
Blues 59 (Namatahi Waa, Jack Ram, Melani Nanai, Nic Mayhew, Steven Luatua, Matt Vaega, Patrick Tuipulotu, Rene Ranger, George Moala tries; Matt McGahan 4 cons, Ihaia West 3 cons)
Melbourne Rebels 7 (Mitch Inman try, Jack Debreczeni con).

NTA

Tahs v Brumbies will be streamed - starting 1850 hours Sydney time this Saturday.
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.brumbies.com.au/brumbies-v-waratahs-2016-live-stream'>https://www.brumbies.com.au/brumbies-v-waratahs-2016-live-stream</a>

KiwiMurph

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
 
Injury Report: Piers Francis' x-ray is clear, waiting 72 hrs for the full diagnosis. Charlie Faumuina & Blake Gibson to return to training.
</blockquote>
 
I'm assuming that means no break for Francis but a ligament injury?

Dice

Pre-season results don't matter too much, but getting good results is some nice promotion before the season kicks off. If we keep this up, we can expect a pretty good crowd for the opener against the Highlanders.

Dice

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="556398" data-time="1454567849">
<div>
3 Northland lads on the score sheet too ;)
</div>
</blockquote>
Wait a minute.... I'm pretty sure only TWO Northland guys scored! :biggrin:

taniwharugby

he is a Northland lad still, he just plays for (well signed with) some other clowns, just ask him :)

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