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Looking ahead to Round 5 of the 2022 ARG SpeedSeries season with TCR Australia & Trans-Am this weekend at Queensland Raceway following a two month break

by Sports Benches

It’s been a bit over two months when we last had SpeedSeries at Eastern Creek with the TCR Australia, Trans-Am & S5000. Although the main S5000 portion may be done, but SpeedSeries is back at Queensland Raceway (Ipswich) this weekend for Round 5 of 7 in the 2022 season.

There’s plenty of exciting headlines to look ahead when we’ve got a jam-packed Trans-Am grid of 29 cars alongside a couple of debutants from Tom Hayman (Aussie Racing Cars), Jack Sipp (Super2) & Brodie Kostecki (Supercars).

Plus, TCR Australia will make up their half-century milestone at 50 races during Race 2 this Sunday. And it has been a long time since the TCRs last raced there in QLD three years ago when the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID, while this track wasn’t selected out of the shortened five-race calendar last year.

This is one huge event you don’t wanna miss as Nine will once again put Race 1 of the Trans-Am & TCR Australia this Saturday afternoon on their free-to-air channels via 9Go (NSW/QLD/ACT/NT) or 9Gem (VIC/SA/WA), with the whole weekend’s activities being a Stan Sport exclusive. Then as usual, Nine will showcase a two-hour highlights package the following weekend (August 13-14) on 9Gem/9Go.

You can sign up to Stan Sport for a seven-day free trial right now to watch every race live, as well as, full event replays & highlights. It only costs $20 a month to keep your fix of motorsport at any time, anywhere within Australia, such as, Formula E, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, Motocross and many more.

I would love to watch another SpeedSeries race live on free-to-air, having watched the season opener earlier this year at Symmons Plains in Tasmania. But I will be leaning on Club Rugby with Shute Shield regular season finale at North Sydney Oval at the same time between Northern Suburbs v Eastern Suburbs; That game will be live on 9Gem in NSW and ACT as well.

I will continue to keep a close eye though on the SpeedSeries from QLD within the next few days, while the Rugby Championship with the Wallabies & Australian Superbike Championship are back on my sports viewing fix also this weekend.

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Rugby

Top 3 players from the Randwick v Eastwood Game in Week 17 of the 2022 Shute Shield Season

by Sports Benches

Nick Chan has to be the first in-line when it comes to the Top 3 performers after a outstanding 2nd-half spell this afternoon at Inside centre for Randwick. He was so destructive in setting up their attacking execution twice that changed everything against Eastwood. We saw him process the mini cross-kick for his midfield partner Dan O’Brien to finish off inside the TRY box before a quick offload later on through the channels where no one couldn’t stop James Hendren on the far-left short side. That way, he has a lot to offer when being tested in both attack and defense that would hopefully earn him a future Waratahs call-up at Super Rugby level, such as unpacking with his immense pace & physicality.

Next up is Matt Faessler who was also another Randwick standout player at starting hooker. He demonstrated a masterclass from line-out time & pushed his way with the ball down low through the driving maul that help respond to Eastwood’s three-point early lead. He can also be an excellent communicator when backing Randwick up with numbers where Faessler scored another TRY later in the 2nd half, as his side began to stay further ahead & never looked back for the rest of this match. It’s great to see him gain some Super Rugby experience from the Queensland Reds earlier this season and come back to Club Rugby better with the Galloping Greens, after he was recently on the Australia A tour in Fiji.

And Michael Icely rounds out the Top 3 for Eastwood in the Number 8 role. He’s got an incredible tall stature that struck a nice balance with the physicality where his side benefitted Randwick’s slow start earlier on. It reflected his all-round ability alongside some teamwork when he helped them win turnovers/penalties defensively, as well as being a major force going forward with the scrum feed, ruck & maul. His personal best performances are there when Icely scored the consolation & final TRY of the afternoon. Sadly, Randwick’s messy attacking play ruined their good start before it isolated the defense – where they began to fall behind not long after half-time before it’s too late.

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Rugby

2022 Shute Shield Week 17, Randwick stalled Eastwood’s flying 1st half start where they were too good in the end at Coogee Oval

by Sports Benches

It’s been a close first half between Randwick and Eastwood here at Coogee Oval. Randwick got the first TRY after Eastwood opened the scoreboard with the three-point penalty goal before Eastwood lead at half-time, 5-10, courtesy of a number of successful shoves that lead to a incredible TRY from Fabian Goodall on the inside centre at No.12. In the end though, it was Randwick who secured an easy win after a series of successive big scores in the 2nd half, 31-17.

It’s good to see Randwick respond to Eastwood’s opening three-point penalty goal with a complete line-up masterclass from Matt Faesseler at hooker. Although they’re not bad defensively when they won a few penalties/turnovers, but needs to be a bit more patient going forward where a few forward passes slowed down their progress. Fortunately, they addressed that problem after half-time where a series of tries from Randwick changed everything on the up with an easy win going towards full-time. Credit to Nick Chan for proving the finishing touches twice to Dan O’Brien & James Hendren, while Faesseler scored another TRY before James Tomkinson topped the cherry on the cake when he touched down on the TRY zone.

Meanwhile, Eastwood benefitted from Randwick’s early discipline & forward passing errors that helped them get the ball rolling. They dominated the ball going forward for the majority thanks to Fabian Goodall, but needs to be wary when trying to prevent Randwick from scoring at their own end. Yes, they may have scored the consolation TRY from their own Number 8 in Michael Icely alongside a few fresh faces off the bench; Sadly, Eastwood just couldn’t stay ahead when their first-half lead was slammed downhill into the ground. A messy attacking shape through open play didn’t match the standard Randwick fought back in the 2nd half before it’s too late, when their defensive contribution became a whole lot difficult to shut the opposition down.

17 weeks done, one to go in the 2022 Shute Shield regular season before four weeks of finals time. Randwick was 6th & Eastwood was 4th on the ladder prior to this match; Eastwood lost two spots now to 6th behind Randwick as Warringah moves to fourth after a win once again v Southern Districts.

Coincidentally, the Southern Districts will be on the road once again when they will face Randwick, while Eastwood will have an easy chance to close their 2022 regular campaign with a win v the Western Sydney Two Blues in Granville. And 9Gem will continue to show Shute Shield on free-to-air when the Northern Suburbs v Eastern Suburbs at North Sydney Oval next Saturday, 3pm.

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Rugby

Warringah sees off Manly in the 100th derby match at Manly Oval in Week 16 of the 2022 Shute Shield Season

by Sports Benches

It’s been a wild and muddy afternoon in Week 16 of 18 of the 2022 Shute Shield Season, as the battle of the beaches derby took centre stage for the 100th time between two arch-rival clubs – Manly Marlins & Warringah Rats. They first played each other back in 1971 and it has been an annual tradition ever since in the history of NSW club rugby. 

Manly fired off well with a couple of early tries on the board in the first half at 17-12, while Warringah responded to their opposition’s early headstart. However, it’s Warringah who put the breaks on Manly’s inconsistent 2nd half form, before they eventually overtook top spot and then fend off with a two-point win in the end, 20-22.

It’s heartbreaking from the Marlins with the close loss. As said earlier, they got the early advantage going on courtesy of Ivan Fepuleai with two 1st half tries on the loosehead front row. Their defensive work wasn’t bad when a couple of winning penalties gave the Marlins a chance to redeem themselves.

Unfortunately, their attacking contribution was the only big weakness that left them down. A couple of handling errors and missed penalties saw the ball hand over to the (Warringah) Rats. Although we feel sorry for fly-half Kemu Valetini when his kicking game went so well, but he just couldn’t get it over the line with 1-2 mistakes towards the end under pressure. They lost three straight games now, so Manly needs to get back on track if they wanted to go all the way in the finals that begins early next month.

Meanwhile, Warringah is celebrating right now after a huge win on the Marlins home turf. They showed incredible fightback in the first half when closing into their opposition team’s radar, with two tries of their own from another prop Sateki Latu down at tighthead.

Then Latu completed the hat-trick that helped close into the Marlins by one point before the Rats took the lead for the first time with a few minutes to go, and saw Kemu Valetini fumbling with the ball in the 80th minute where they ran wild after the full-time whistle.

They showed amazing intent – especially in defense – when the Marlins had trouble processing going forward that led to winning penalties/turnovers. It’s the one huge factor that played out towards full-time where Manly’s failure to get the job done under pressure gave them a sigh of relief. They now look to end their regular season on a high with two games left before searching for their third title since 2017.

Manly will now head off to Gordon at Chatswood Oval, while Warringah returns home at Pittwater Park in Warriewood ahead of their Week 17 encounter with the Southern Districts from St. George. Plus, there will be another free-to-air Shute Shield game on 9Gem next Saturday at 3pm when Randwick take on Eastwood at Coogee Oval.

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Rugby

Shute Shield returns on free to air next Saturday on 9Gem with three regular rounds left when Manly takes on Warringah

by Sports Benches

We’re very excited to say that Shute Shield will be back on free-to-air with the Week 16 game between Manly v Warringah next Saturday at 3pm on 9Gem. There should be more to come with another two regular season games to finish off before continuing with one Playoffs round in August. They already showed some women’s rugby earlier this season on 9Gem with the Super W competition, as well as the opening Wallaroos match v Fiji.

It’s been a long time coming since club rugby hasn’t been aired on Free TV here in NSW since Stan Sport & the Nine Network replaced Fox Sports & Network 10 as Rugby Australia’s broadcast partner last year under an initial three-year contract, with the option to extend another two years afterwards.

Although Channel 7 was the previous rights holder for these Shute Shield games through a separate deal prior to 2021, but then Rugby Australia brought that product off Club Rugby TV and bundled them up under the one roof ahead of the next broadcast rights deal at the time two years ago.

We can’t wait to see how the business end of this year’s Shute Shield season pans out for those who don’t have the Stan Sport subscription to look back over the last 10-15 weeks. We’re also aware that there was some free-to-air Hospital Cup Rugby on last year on 9Gem via the QLD market alone, while we didn’t get to see that opportunity at all when lockdown in NSW also at the time effectively cancelled the 2021 Shute Shield season without a champion.

But let’s see if some of Nine/Stan’s regular Super Rugby & Wallabies commentary team will be present for these free-to-air club rugby games at the ground.

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Rugby News, A series of lost chances going forward from the Blues slip away as the Crusaders take home the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific title at Eden Park

by Sports Benches

What a way to wrap up the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific Season on a high at Eden Park with the Blues v Crusaders Final in Auckland, New Zealand. The Crusaders collected two three-point goals with the early lead going into half-time at 0-6, before they extend their winning margin off the back of Bryn Hall’s opening big score. The Blues may have responded to the Saders’ strong start when they were right back in the mix with 20 minutes left, courtesy of Finlay Christie’s TRY. However, they couldn’t find a way to close the gap where a couple of lost chances with the ball forced the Crusaders hand, as Sevu Reece’s TRY in the 76th minute was enough to secure the visitors with the championship, 7-21.

Commiserations to the Blues at home where they had to settle as 2nd best tonight but a fantastic season nonetheless. They got the build-up base going defensively, as well as a couple of fresh faces off the bench that helped them win a couple of penalties/turnovers along the way. They just couldn’t bridge the other end when it comes to the attack/executions; their throw-ins were poor at line-out time that held back time after time before a messy passage of play and a lack of numbers through the channels saw the ball flying over the place. It’s one huge weakness the Blues couldn’t match the Saders top-notch standard in the end.

Meanwhile, it’s good to see the Crusaders on top once again after they topped the regular-season winners tonight that secured another piece of silverware on their trophy cabinet. They didn’t rush anything whatsoever when the Saders kept a great eye on the Blues’ struggles going forward, especially at line-out time that wasn’t theirs to throw-in, as well as their messy attacking shape going forward. That’s how the Saders capitalised with the ball away from the opposition where they can do whatever they want, having scored two second half tries before they reached the finish line comfortably as these celebrations have already just begun – including those supporters watching back home in Christchurch.

After 18 weeks of action through 91 matches being played throughout the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific Season, we now turn our attention to the mid-year International tests – starting with the three-match Wallabies v England tour that begins on Saturday July 2 next month at Optus Stadium in Perth. We also hope to watch a couple of Shute Shield games in a few weeks time via free-to-air on 9Gem, as there’s so much rugby to look forward through the 2nd half of 2022.

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Rugby News, Thoughts on the selected free-to-air Shute Shield games on 9Gem later this year as Super Rugby transitions is set to transition into International Tests soon

by Sports Benches

As Super Rugby transitions into the Mid-Year International Tests soon after the Blues v Crusaders Final this Saturday, it’s awesome to see Nine showcasing some Women’s Rugby earlier this year via 9Gem & 9Go with the Super W and the opening Wallaroos game of the year v Fiji so far in 2022.

The only competition they haven’t aired yet on free-to-air as part of the current multi-year contract between Nine/Stan Sport & Rugby Australia is the Shute Shield, which features grade club rugby teams across NSW.

Although they did show selected Queensland’s Club Rugby games with the Hospital Cup last year on 9Gem & will do so again for the 2022 season in a few weeks time, but that’s because Queensland weren’t in lockdown at the time unlike NSW – while these games were only available for the QLD market for free unless you subscribe to Stan Sport for $20 a month & stream it anywhere nationwide.

We’re about to see that sort of treatment soon when the Shute Shield approaches over the business end of the regular season before finals time. We just don’t know when the first of these four selected games will come on 9Gem, as Shute Shield has just came off a week-long break due to the long Queen’s Birthday weekend with eight regular weeks to go ahead of Round 11 this Saturday.

It will also be interesting to see if Nine/Stan will throw in some of their usual Super Rugby/Wallabies broadcast crew for these free-to-air Shute Shield games including the Finals later this August; Regardless whether some of them are lead-ins going into the Wallabies Tests at night or not.

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Rugby

Waratahs bound head coach Darren Coleman guides LA Giltinis to a Major League Rugby Championship in its inaugural campaign

by Sports Benches

Congratulations to incoming Waratahs coach Darren Coleman who just guided the LA Giltinis to an Major League Rugby Championship on their first ever season.

This is a massive achievement through a group of star-studded characters that can pass on these hometown players & learn a thing or two from them at this club.

It’s something Darren would do to bring this vibe when he returns home from Los Angeles later this year, as we haven’t seen much of this kind of structure since Michael Chieka left after 2015.

As it stands you got Jake Gordon, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Lalakai Foketi, Ben Donaldson, Alex Newsome & Angus Bell staying on, while a number of key players are coming back too such as Michael Hooper, Jed Holloway & Ned Hedigan.

And some of the new players he’d like to see at Daceyville would be the best produced & proven at club rugby level, having coached in the Shute Shield for many years including Warringah & Gordon with two titles in 2017 & 2020 respectively.

These two important characteristics shows why a three year contract is enough time for Darren to rebuild this franchise.

We’ll also see if Adam Freier and Stephen Hoiles follows Darren as well or stay in LA.

Up to the board now to back Darren with inside knowledge of the NSW rugby system & get the Tahs back to winning ways from next year regardless of the Super Rugby format.

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Rugby Union News, NSW Waratahs must meet what Angus Bell wants as part of their rebuilding phase

by Sports Benches

A few days after the Waratahs have made some progress. Despite the narrow loss against the Brumbies at home. But there is every reason to put so much heart in this rebuilding path. Ever since the Tahs began to collapse at least since 2019.

Which is the same time as the Reds were very much dismantled. Even the damage was done years before Ewen McKenzie left in 2013. Two of his successors did not do a good job. Then Brad Thorn took over as Coach in 2018. Their resurrection did not complete overnight. But eventually ever since Super Rugby AU began last year they battled in the Top 2. And now they are undefeated so far in this season.

Now the focus is here goes to Angus Bell who plays at loosehead prop. He is a very bright prospect at age 20. Having came from a rugby-led background via his dad Mark. And has made a cap or two last year with the Wallabies. In the hope of adding more later this year. Not just France. But also the Rugby Championship.

The question remains here if Angus will leave the Tahs? And join a rival Super Rugby club? This beleaguered team at the minute hit and missed plenty of opportunities. It may be a young side in progress right now. Such as Carlo Tizzano on the openside role. You got Mark Nawaqanitawase playing some minutes at wing/full-back. And Jeremy Williams put a great shift in the second row. Especially with that cameo TRY v Rebels away.

But definitely retain Angus here for 3-4 years. He has to be part of the Tahs rebuild that would finally benefit everyone else. It is up to the board to offer what he wants. As said a while ago that they have a predominately young squad. So there is not much leaders out there like Jake Gordon. Which is something the NSW need to find later this year ahead of 2022.

There is nothing against these youngsters moving to the senior setup. Just need excellent mentors who have lots of expertise & glory before. And it will no doubt benefit the current youth crop regarding competition. That includes Angus Bell who would give his hometown a helping hand. In my opinion two new wingers on each flank. Plus an extra second rower. All of them experienced would be exactly the Tahs need to buy.

So once the Tahs balance a side with youth and experience. These youngsters will be able to learn from someone who is at their prime. Or else way past it towards the twilight stages. Before they are able to become leaders of this squad. Just like a couple of Reds youngsters now who have 3-4 years experience. And played like they are used to Super Rugby level for a long time. That is a lesson the Waratahs must take note. Not only the experienced men can help them win. The youngsters would be happy to follow their lead. And pass to the next generation in 10-15 years.

It might be reasonable to see Angus join the Brumbies. They are like the Crusaders out of the five Australian Super Rugby teams. Two of their experienced props are approaching their twilight years. And the Brumbies see Angus as a natural fit. As he would be guaranteed a starting spot every week. But for the best interest that would reshape Australian Rugby. The Tahs must and should retain him in a long-term deal.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 6 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds remained undefeated after five games so far. They might have fired off slow at the start. Having seen the Waratahs scored two-three point penalty goals. But able to stay patient for the majority. And grouped them together.

When the Reds simply very powerful upfront last night. Three tries in the first half. Especially with Tate McDermott being involved a lot more. He scored the first one for himself. And a assist to Lukhan Salakaia-Loto at lock. Then followed up in the second with four more tries. One from Taniela Tupou. Plus a hat-trick from Alex Mafi as hooker. Even though he came off the bench! He looked after the throw-in/maul. And it allowed him to find some room. That is how Mafi made it to the touch line on the spot.

While the NSW Waratahs gone ahead early with a couple of three-pointers. They are able to spot the Reds slow start straight after kick off. There is plenty of ill-discipline involved that gifted them winning penalties. But unable to get the ball rolling unfortunately. Plenty of lost penalties gained against them. And little talkup that rushed through with the ball.

Not even one big score in the second half is a long way to catch up. They were finally able to snatch some points from the Reds. But at large it is just the same momentum from the very start. With the damage already done by the time Alex Mafi produces a hat-trick. As the Waratahs still looking for answers. It seems their finals hopes are very bleak.

We also look back from the Friday game in Week 6. Brumbies v Western Force.

Western Force endured a very difficult game. Having travelled to Canberra with two near wins v Rebels & Reds. They simply were not cooperating. Each time a penalty is marked against them. Which limited their chances with the ball. Just no possession in the first 40. Although they did show up with two tries later on. But again the Force left it very late. And it is something they still need to group their attack next time. Other than the defense that helped them win penalties/turnovers.

And the Brumbies way too good that returned to winning form. After they were robbed at the last minute two weeks ago v Reds at home. Just spotted the Force struggles with the ball in hand. As well as their poor discipline. Where the home side were so good when they were given these chances. Then converted into a number of big scores throughout the night. Four tries in the first half via a Len Ikitau double. And two more in the last ten minutes. With Andy Muirhead finished off the match in style. He also scored his 2nd touch too.

Just a little note here. The Brumbies did go back to top spot after Friday night with the win. But Reds pushed them down to 2nd the next day. Due to their continuous winning form. We are now in Week 7 of 10 in the 2021 Super Rugby AU competition.

NSW Waratahs will host again this time at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Their opponents will be the Brumbies on Friday night. Next Saturday night sees the Melbourne Rebels host their 2nd home game. Where the Reds will continue travelling south. And Western Force will have the week-long off until Week 8.

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