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Matthew Nicholas, the founder/blogger/vlogger on Sports Benches, is an aspiring cricket player & passionate sports fanatic who lives in Sydney, Australia.

Rugby

Highlanders break the Queensland Reds hearts at the last minute in order to keep their Finals bid alive in Dunedin

by Sports Benches

The Reds got ahead early with a few tries for a start while the Highlanders responded well at times where they were just seven points behind at half-time, 14-21. Later on, the Reds might have extended their winning share a bit but it’s only via a series of three-point penalty goals & nothing more. But then the Highlanders came back from behind to close in on the Reds & overtook them with the lead for the first before the Reds stole one back via another penalty goal. In the end though, the home side were glad to get away with the late win thanks to the match-winning TRY off No.9 Folau Fakatava. The final score at Forsyth Barr Stadium is Highlanders 33-30 Reds.

Unlucky from the Reds who were so close towards winning this match away from home until the Highlanders stole the lead baton at the last minute over in Dunedin, NZ. Their first half was really good where the Reds scored three converted tries on the board. Although they regained the lead with seven mins left via another three-point penalty goal thanks to these winning penalties & a good defense, but what really hurts them the most is the injuries amongst these key players. Sadly, that really hurt the great work they’ve built from the beginning where it allowed the Highlanders to make up lost time before the Reds couldn’t close them down under pressure as the clock ran out. Their next game is against Fijian Drua in Fiji next Saturday, which is going to be a must-win game if they want to stay within the Top 8.

And Wow!! Just Wow!! The Highlanders are not out of the Finals just yet with only one more regular round to go thanks to a really close win against the Reds on home soil. They showed some fight earlier on through 1-2 tries, while struggling to hold off defensively at times every time the Highlanders saw Queensland touch down with the TRY at their own end. However, they finally found a way to escape the opposition team’s clutches thanks to the a number of key players being hauled off the pitch due to injury. From there, the Highlanders were able to close in also thanks to a few new faces off the bench, before they managed to close out the Reds at the last minute on what has been an unreal finish with the win. Now they got a tough road ahead v the Blues in Auckland next Friday, but the Landers hope other results go their way in order to advance into the Finals for another year.

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Other Sports

National Treasure just closed off Blazing Sevens on what has been a sprint to the finish line of the 148th Preakness Stakes

by Sports Benches

How good? Having just saw another thrilling drag race finish to the 148th Preakness Stakes over at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It was a shorter seven entry field being lined up this time after 2nd favourite First Mission had to pull out due to injury (left hind ankle). 

Looking back on the race itself now, there were great starts into the Top 2 earlier on from the following few horses such as National Treasure & CoffeewithChris. 

Plus, we saw a mix of overtakes fighting for third through race favourite & current Kentucky Derby champ Mage, Red Route One & Blazing Sevens.

Then there’s the climax on the run home after Turn 3 where Blazing Sevens moved up to 2nd side-by-side with National Treasure. Blazing Sevens tried to push that overtaking edge past him at the last minute after he emerged out of late, but it’s National Treasure who held off top spot all along by such a really close margin through the finish line for the win. 

Well done to jockey John Velasquez & owner/trainer Bob Baffiert all around on what has been such a tremendous race to watch!! Oh so close from Blazing Sevens where he almost got it but probably the early momentum might have cost him there in 2nd. And Mage finished in 3rd  

who was jockeying mightily around the mid-pack following a good start to 3rd, but then Mage was nowhere near the standard National Treasure has set by a few lengths behind the Top 2 finishers.

Red Route One finished in 4th followed by Chase the Chaos who were both also circling outside the Top 2; Perform came home in 6th where benefited a late move off CoffeewithChris after the early race contender (CoffeewithChris) just couldn’t find the execution he badly needed to pass National Treasure out of Turns 3 & 4.

Now that the 2nd Triple Crown race is done with no repeat triumph to carry on from the Kentucky Derby opener by Mage, we look forward to the 155th Belmont Stakes in New York on Saturday 10th June (US Time)/Sunday 11th June (Australian time in the morning). The only change to this next event is that Fox will be replacing NBC as the main broadcaster there for the 3rd & final Triple Crown event of the year.

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Rugby

Top 3 players from the Waratahs v Fijian Drua Game in Round 13 of the 2023 Super Rugby Season at Allianz Stadium

by Sports Benches

Hats off to Max Jorgensen who led the Waratahs backline well at No.15 (full-back). Love how he can do all sorts of things that helped his side steer clear above Fijian Drua such as his defensive contribution thanks to the help from his robust forwards line, as well as the passing, kicking to clear out, pace & TRY assists going forward. It goes to show he can make such a big impact right away after making his Super Rugby debut 11-12 weeks ago & also straight out of High School at the same Allianz Stadium in Moore Park. He never stops working hard from start to finish & that is something he wants to keep on improving every week, as he can’t wait to get tested now v the champs Crusaders next Saturday in NZ.

Next up is 2nd half superman for the Waratahs Joey Walton on the inside midfield role at No.12. He too has made such a big impact that helped complete his side’s attack in order to stay ahead of the Fijian Drua who doesn’t give the Waratahs an easy run. Every time he has the ball, he boasts some blistering pace as well as some brilliant passing through the channels where the support players around him were able to get the job done with a few tries on the board. Such a dynamic player to watch, especially when he made that successful 50/22 line-out kick before they converted that into a match-winning TRY. He’s still got a lot to offer after tough times with injury at 22.

And Joseva Tamani did so well on the blindside for Fijian Drua at No.6  He did everything possible in order to keep his side in contention, having helped Drua win a few penalties including 2 x three-point goals earlier in the 1st 40 before he tested the Waratahs blocks well later on that led to a TRY assist & a TRY for himself. You can’t underestimate his natural game where he has greater vision thanks to the tall frame, as well as the physicality in order to plow himself over the line. Sadly, the Drua just couldn’t overcome the Tahs robust defense despite winning possession, as they just couldn’t keep it up under pressure with the loss.

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Rugby

Rugby News, NSW Waratahs win yet again for the fourth straight time after a brilliant display v Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium

by Sports Benches

Fijian Drua opened the scoring account first with the three-point penalty goal & then the same again, while the Waratahs got away by overtaking them twice alongside these two tries where they just extended their lead after the 2nd big score at half-time, 13-6. Later on, the Tahs continued to score a few more tries in order to stay ahead. On the other hand, Drua at last improved their play with back-to-back tries. But then there’s only winner to settle and that is the Waratahs where they responded to Drua’s fightback well before they got away with a comfortable win in front of their home supporters. The final score over in Moore Park was 32-18.

Commiserations to the Fijian Drua with their hard-fought loss tonight, even though they’ve done well at times with a great vibe amongst the Fijian supporters out there watching in-person. Their defense & the way they control possession with the ball wasn’t bad where they won a few penalties/turnovers, as well as back-to-back three-point penalty goals earlier on before Drua managed to fight back with back-to-back tries in the 2nd half. But the only key weakness they couldn’t overcome was the Waratahs defensive blocks where they gave them a really hard time before Drua were being punished in return along the way before it was just too much to keep up towards the end – that’s all. It doesn’t mean that their bid to the Finals is over though with back-to-back home games ahead v Moana Pasifika next Saturday & QLD Reds in two weeks time.

And how good it was to see the Tahs win another game yet again for the fourth time in a row, having won the last three at home including the Reds away in Townsville. Their defense has been outstanding where they held the Drua’s conversion play accountable before they cashed in with back-to-back tries through a good lead ahead of the break. Then they managed to extend their lead along the way thanks to their amazing attacking momentum & patience. Now the Drua may have fought back at times, but the home side stayed ahead with another few tries before the job was well & truly done towards the home run first. Great timing to have the strongest side back together in time for the Finals soon. For now, they hope to win another upset v Crusaders this time on in Christchurch next Saturday arvo just like last year at Leichhardt Oval.

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Rugby

Rugby News, Top 3 players from the Queensland Reds v Blues Game in Round 13 of the 2023 Super Rugby Season

by Sports Benches

I’ve gotta say that Harry Plummer was outstanding particularly in the 2nd half on the Blues inside midfield at No.12. He too can cover everything, particularly when he had to take over from the main No.10 in Beauden Barrett with the kicking duties after he had to come off not long following half-time due to injury. Nevertheless, his passing has been excellent with the ball as always, so the link-up play can continue through the channels that led to another few tries along the way. And once the tries are done, Harry’s kicking has been spotless to add the extra conversion points & bonus point win too. Although there’s still some unfinished business left & hope injuries don’t affect their goal of winning the championship next month.

Next up is Cameron Suafoa in the No.5 Blues shirt who provided a great link with the backline well that not only help got away with a great start, but also extend their winning lead along the way. Speaking of balance, he too unpacked his natural game well between pace, power & physicality. He has done the digging with the ball on hand while his attackers are ready to pounce. That way, the Blues were able to show so much fight with more tries under his watch. And once the Blues were in an easy position towards full-time, he deserved an early mark off to the bench with 20 to go. Well done on giving his backline that link to help finish off for him.

And Liam Wright has been excellent last night on the Reds blindside back row at No.6. Every time he contributes in the attack, he’s such a huge threat where his towering frame & packed muscle broke away the Blues’ defensive wall on occasions. You can see there he has found the support he needs verbally & physically in order for the Reds to get over the line where a few tries are being made there with all credit to Liam. His hard work saw the Reds land not far behind the Blues at half-time, but they just couldn’t build on their good start when they just couldn’t stop the firing Blues attack while their finishing play has been consistent as well.

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Rugby

Blues too good in the end where their fiery attack was outstanding against the Reds at Suncorp Stadium last night

by Sports Benches

It was a close opening 40 minutes of play between the Queensland Reds & Blues where the Blues fired off first while the Reds held them back with 1-2 tries, as the Blues held a narrow three-point buffer ahead of half-time, 14-17. In the end though, the Blues were simply too good where their attack has been outstanding with a comfortable win on the Reds’ home turf over at Suncorp Stadium. The final score was Queensland Reds 26-43 Blues.

After an upset win last Friday v Chiefs over in New Plymouth, NZ, the Reds just couldn’t get the job done this time against the Blues last night. Their first-half wasn’t bad for a start with a great fightback through 1-2 tries earlier on where they weren’t far behind by three points at half-time. Yes, they managed to score another 1-2 consolation tries later on in which they cannot retract from that. But what’s really disappointing is not only they couldn’t stop the dangerous Blues attack, but their finishing continued to be inconsistent in which is still happening for some time this season. They got the Highlanders from Dunedin though next up over in NZ & they’re under heaps of pressure down in 11th right now, so no doubt the Reds can get this done with a win on Friday night.

Meanwhile, the Blues continue to prove what it takes to be such a dangerous force as if they’re preparing for each Finals game that will begin in three weeks from now. Their first-half wasn’t bad when they got themselves ahead early while being held up by the Reds at the same time by a small lead going into the break. But the Blues managed to turn themselves around with more tries on the board while they extend their winning lead. And they were simply too good towards the end with a bonus point win. Now it remains to be seen if the Blues can cope with their injury hit-list, having seen a few go off the bench unexpectedly in the 2nd 40. They’ve got the Hurricanes next Saturday night followed by the Highlanders both at Eden Park to end the regular season, but hope they’re okay ahead of the Playoffs soon. 

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Motorsport

NASCAR News Today: Thoughts on Shane Van Gisbergen making his debut with Trackhouse in early July at Chicago Street Circuit

by Sports Benches

Wow!! There’s a couple of NASCAR interest amongst the Supercars community back here over the last 24 hours when Shane Van Gisbergen will be making his Cup Series debut in the 3rd part-time Trackhouse car (No.91 Chevy Camaro) in early July for the Inaugural Chicago event at the brand new Chicago Street Circuit. Such a cool iRacing track to see that actually happen into the real world real soon which is going to be great to watch during the US summer there.

At the same time, it’s also great to see SVG try out a different type of race car in the form of stock cars, having seeing him race rally cars, production cars, sports cars & open wheelers in the past. I’m sure he will do his best there thanks to his usual road course experience where he will racing up against a mix of most cup series regulars & other road course ringers. 

Now there’s some talk that he might be seeking a move over to the US just like fellow NZer & 2 x Supercars champ Scott McLaughlin did back in 2021 to IndyCar with Team Penske. Even though most regular NASCAR drivers go through the usual series ladder, Trackhouse would love to have him full-time alongside Ross Chastain & Daniel Suarez if interested. 

Right now, I don’t think any team would be interested to buy a charter off let’s say Live Fast Motorsports until at least after 2024 when the next TV rights contract has been decided for 2025 onwards. Once that is settled, then we’ll wait & see if SVG would be willing to leave Australia & have a crack at NASCAR for like 40 odd weekends a year. You never know for sure.

It’s a whole different kettle of fish when you have turn to left for most parts of the year, but sure he has done it in the past through the 24 Hours of Daytona on a hybrid road course & oval “Roval” layout as well as some sprint cars on dirt tracks.

After SVG, we hope Brodie Kostecki get his debut there at Cup level soon & potentially full-time in the medium-long term whether if it’s Cup or Xfinity Series level, as he too will be stopping by at Richard Childress Racing over in North Carolina in a few weeks time thanks to his current Supercars employer at Erebus Motorsport.

So good to see some NASCAR interest hitting down under in the hope of having a Supercars driver crack the US when Marcos Ambrose has last done it full-time for many years through all three national series that spanned from 2006-2014.

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Rugby

Top 3 players from the NSW Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels Game in Round 12 of the 2023 Super Rugby Season

by Sports Benches

Ben Donaldson has been excellent more than just his usual kicking game tonight, particularly during the 2nd half where the Waratahs were well secure towards the win at No.10. Every time the Waratahs have their chance with the ball, he designed the attack well by throwing some passage of play thanks to the patience being built there. It allowed them to sneak can sneak their way past the Rebels wall through some room before rewards begin to go their way & that is exactly what the Tahs wanted in the end with both the win & bonus point. Such a dynamic No.10 to watch after the Tahs finished off well for him while adding the extra conversion points with credit to his backline runners.

I’ve gotta say that Jed Holloway has been so influential on the Waratahs second row at No.4. The partnership with Hugh Sinclair worked really well while talking up as always at line-out time, so they know what are the Rebels’ weaknesses & where his side can find the sweet spot. Thanks to Jed, the Tahs were able to get the job done a few times through a mix of sensational steals & penalty tries from this spot. Great to see him come back stronger for his 2nd spell here under Darren Coleman as he still has plenty to offer at age 30, who possesses such a towering build along with excellent vision & brutal strength that reflects his natural game.

And Richard Hardwick has been excellent tonight in the No.8 Rebels shirt where he worked so hard that helped them put themselves on the front foot. The promising signs were there every time he caught the Tahs players down defensively while building some momentum & backing them up with the ball. It’s how the Rebels got away on a flying start as well as winning back turnovers & some penalties thanks to his on-field input. It’s just a shame that the poor line outs really hit them hard; So does a few missing tries where the game could’ve been theirs, but then they couldn’t capitalised it before it went even worse in the end with the loss.

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Rugby

Waratahs win three-in-a-row with an easy end to the match while the Melbourne Rebels threw away their flying start at Allianz Stadium

by Sports Benches

It was a tight first 40 where the Rebels were on a roll with back-to-back tries for a start, but then a mix of missed TRY finishes to try & extend their winning margin saw the Waratahs catch up to them that hit really hard before the Melbourne-based side narrowly held the lead ahead of half-time, 14-17, courtesy of a penalty goal. Going into the 2nd half, however, the game easily belongs to the Waratahs, while the Rebels continued to suffer with not just their poor finishing but also the line-outs & discipline as well. The final score at Allianz Stadium was 38-20.

Hard luck to the Melbourne Rebels with the loss there, having fell so short by seven-points against the Brumbies at AAMI Park last Sunday. They fired off really well with back-to-back tries while trying to stay in the fight through some three-point penalty goals. However, their display was largely disappointing when not only the line-outs were bad, but also their messy finishing where the game could’ve easily been theirs if the Rebels successfully added another 2-3 tries along the way. It’s just a shame they couldn’t capitalise on these missed opportunities before it gets worse & worse with the ill-discipline, and it’s something they couldn’t recover ever since. They will now be flying over to Dunedin, NZ where the Rebels continue to fight for the 8th Playoffs spot next Saturday v Highlanders.

Meanwhile, it’s great to see the Waratahs end up with three straight wins now on what has been a wonderful night in front of their supporters at Allianz Stadium (Moore Park). Now they may have been disadvantaged from the beginning but boy they showed so much fightback along the way. The credit comes from the Rebels poor line-outs, ill-discipline & missed TRY opportunities where the Tahs made up some lost time going into half-time before they were unstoppable on the run home with a comfortable win. Such a brilliant show where they are in a good position now to secure another year in the Final  Playoffs at 6th right now thanks to Head Coach Darren Coleman. But first, they still got three games left with the Fijian Drua next up – who is not far from the Top 8 bubble in 9th right now behind Western Force – also on a Saturday night at home.

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Rugby

Top 3 players from the Chiefs v Queensland Reds in Round 12 of the 2023 Super Rugby Season

by Sports Benches

Hats off to Tate McDermott following a hard day’s work that helped end the Chiefs’ long-running unbeaten run tonight as the Reds’ main No.9. He always provided a great link between his forwards & backline department in all areas, so the Reds know where to find the sweet spot. It helped his side get the ball rolling with the fightback being shown there, particularly when he snatched a TRY himself to level at half-time thanks to a great maul off the line-out. Then his leadership & on-field input kept the momentum going with another 1-2 tries before his side were able to close out the game with a big shift in defense where all credit coming from McDermott. All they have to do is finish off the attack well & you will thank him that made the Reds so dangerous with the ball.

Next up is Reds reserve No.10 Tom Lynagh who made such a huge difference in the 2nd 40, especially when they were turning themselves around before his side finally tasted victory thanks to his excellent display that includes the winning penalty goal. He’s always young & hungry every time he gets his chance, having been away with injury for some time this season. It’s not just his conversion kicks that gave them a boost of confidence, but he too can also lend a helping hand too defensively. Love how he caught Rameka Poihipi down on the far left short side & luckily his forwards were there to hold the ball up that went the Reds way. Looks like he’s ready for more to give Brad Thorn the good send off he deserves as head coach.

And Etene Nanai-Seturo has been brilliant with back-to-back tries during the first half in the No.11 Chiefs shirt (left wing). Every time he has the ball, his finishing has been explosive with pace & power that will make any opposition side pay under his watch. When we look back at his 2nd TRY while the Reds were scrappy on one occasion, he too was so instantly ready to incept with a mighty soccer kick before he picks it up & no one couldn’t stop him. Great timing to see him read these Reds mistakes by cashing it in with space. But then the Chiefs were not themselves tonight when their 2nd half run was just inconsistent that left them so little time to upsurge the Reds; Sadly it was just too much pressure to get out in the end.

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