Tag:

France

Tennis

AO Open 2024, Novak Djokovic also too good in straight sets against Adrian Mannarino that was done just under two hours during the 4R at Rod Laver Arena

by Sports Benches

Like the previous match of the afternoon at Rod Laver Arena, we also witnessed another easy match over in the men’s draw during the fourth round between reigning champion Novak Djokovic & 20th seed Adrian Mannarino from France. The first two sets all belongs to Djokovic unchallenged and although Mannarino finally got the ball rolling but still the match belongs to him in straight sets (6-0, 6-0 & 6-3). He will now be watching the 2nd afternoon match of the day where American Taylor Fritz & last year’s finalist opponent Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) are currently battling it out to try & book a spot with him for the last eight at John Cain Arena.

Well, that was tough but he did bring some smiles and laughter to the crowd after Mannarino was easily eliminated just outside the last eight for the second time at Melbourne Park. The last time he was here was two years ago where the Frenchman was defeated by Rafa Nadal despite an intense first set via the tiebreak  14-16. Yes, he just wasn’t at the races today where Mannarino made some small games this late in this match. However, he had a great run beforehand who overcame a series of five-set showdowns including 16th seed American & also rising star Ben Shelton. He’s currently the best men’s ranked player in his country with still some energy left in the tank at age 35 as let’s hope his next run here will be a QF.

Meanwhile, things ain’t so hard today from the reigning AO champion where he got the job done as quickly on what has been an unusual daytime outime despite the roof being closed as he can in 1 hour and 44 minutes. As said, he was simply too good and unplayable all along without a lot of fuss from start to finish. Now he’s open for another challenge who can push him all the way like 1st round opponent Croatian Dino Prozmic did to him at the tiebreak during the 2nd set before the Serbian responded well towards the end there. That remains to be if it’s going to be Tsitsipas again who is eager to face him again following the last year’s final. If not after another easy run, then there’s always Daniil Medvedev or the new rising Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz on the road towards next Sunday’s main event here.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

2023 Rugby World Cup, England hold off Fiji while Springboks def. France in front of their home supports where there will be a 2019 Final rematch now in the last 4 this weekend

by Sports Benches

The last two remaining Quarter-Final Rugby World Cup matches are now done & dusted where we’ve just witnessed something that was so extraordinary & unreal to watch. England saw off Fiji’s 2nd half comeback bid (30-24) while current champs Springboks just locked up the doors of the host nation France with a one-point win (28-29) – having came from a few points down at half-time (22-19) that sets up a 2019 Final rematch against England for semi-final 2 this Sunday AM.

Hats off to England with the win where they’re the one and only Northern Hemisphere team in the hunt for that Webb Ellis Cup after the eliminations of France, Wales & Ireland. They fired off really well to bring in the early big points as they can while their opponents were playing catch up. Yes, they may have been under threat at times, having scored no tries in the 2nd half. But England showed that were the better team thanks to holding off their small lead where another series of three-point goals was enough to see them move into the last four v Boks.

Also, how good was the Boks who absolutely broke the home nation’s hearts in front of their national stadium as the defending champs are still chasing World Cup title No.4. Gotta love their fight back and the way they controlled with the ball before the rewards were there to see every time when given the opportunity. Yes, they might have suffered some ill-discipline earlier on but they kept on scoring while showing excellent defense to stop the French in its tracks with the close win.

Meanwhile, as said with the host nation, it’s hard to see a loss at home when they came in this tournament as one of the few favourites to lift the trophy alongside Ireland & South Africa. The French opened the scoring account first as reflected with their first half display, having never been out of place to try and stop the Boks from going past their lane. But sadly the French’s 2nd half form just wasn’t the same; Yes, they’ve made some lost time as said where France were still alive all along but couldn’t escape them in the end.

And for Fiji, love their response to the opposition’s early start, especially when looking to close England down after half-time in the hope of a late win. But if the Flying Fijians scored the big points first that reflects a full 80 performance, then they would’ve knocked England out where they’ve made this deep into the last 8 thanks to some excellent growth via Fijian Drua in Super Rugby. Sadly, it’s too little, too late when they levelled the scorecard before England went on to rebound by extending their lead a bit further before their elimination was confirmed that would’ve seen Fiji round out an all Southern Hemisphere semis shootout.

All in all, here’s a few questions that we’re about to see ahead of the weekend’s semi-finals. Can the All Blacks put in another amazing show like they did the other day v World No.1 Ireland en route towards the main event final for the first time since 2015? If not, will it be Michael Cheika’s turn this time as the Los Pumas coach? Having lost to the ABs once in a World Cup match back in 2015 when the Wallabies had to settle as runners-up. Plus, will England go one better and make the Boks pay after their 2019 Final loss to the reigning champs in Japan under coach Steve Borthwick? Or can the Boks go all the way for their fourth possible big final & hopefully light up Paris once again like 2007 since they got the favourites cap on?

We shall find out by Sunday AM where two winners will go into the main event for the Webb Ellis Cup trophy while the losing two teams will play in the Bronze final for third place going into the last weekend of October.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

France vs Australia rugby: Result and final score as late Damian Penaud TRY won the game for France

by Admin

• Match ​ ​ : Australia vs France
• Series ​​ : Autumn International
• Venue​​ : Stade de France
• Time ​​ : Sunday, 6th Nov. 2022

The Wallabies led late after impressive tries from Lalakai Foketi and Jock Campbell, but Damian Penaud’s brilliance seized the win for the French at the death.

Points Summary

FranceAustralia
TriesTries
Penaud 75′Campbell 40′
Marchand 40′Foketi 17′
ConversionsConversions
Ramos 40′Foley 18′, 57′
Penalty GoalsPenalty Goals
Ramos 6′, 9′, 32′, 37′, 45′, 72′Foley 3′, 12′, 42′, 65′
Hodge 74′

• In a game that featured 33 points from penalty goals, the first of four tries saw Tom Wright fly down the left flank before putting Lalakai Foketi through to score as Australia raced into a 10-3 lead with a 100-metre effort. France rallied, though, and Thomas Ramos kicked two more penalties before Julien Marchand crashed over on the stroke of half-time.

• More penalties followed early in the second stanza before Jock Campbell found his way over in the corner to give the Aussies a 23-22 lead as Bernard Foley nailed the conversion. Ramos, Foley and Reece Hodge kicked further three-pointers and Australia led 29-25 with five to go when France threw the ball wide to the right.

• Penaud had played out a relatively quiet game, making half-breaks here and there aside from solid defence on the wing. But when he caught Matthieu Jalibert’s pass, he defied gravity, logic and the Wallabies’ cover defence to beat three before gliding over in the corner. Ramos couldn’t convert but France still had the lead, and they held it for three more tense minutes as the clock hit 80 to seal a one-point victory for Les Bleus.

Match Preview

  • The Australian team showed a good aggressive style of play in the first half. Then after the France team started scoring points, it was tight contest between the two sides.
  • At the end of the first half, the France team was leading by 16:19. After a tight contest in the second half Damian Penaud’s last minute goal won the match for France.

Wallabies will come back stronger

  • Any rustiness seen last week against Scotland was truly ironed out in this game as the Wallabies threw the ball around seamlessly and created many an opportunity to score with ball in hand.
  • Foketi’s opening try will go head-to-head with Penaud’s winner in the ‘try of the autumn’ stakes, and the more Australia play like that, the more likely they’ll be to finish on the right side of future contests.

France set standard ahead of South Africa visit

  • The tough tests don’t let up for France, with their match next weekend coming against the current Rugby World Cup holders, South Africa.
  • The Springboks are a tough test of physicality and skill for any side but if France want to be seen as true contenders to win their home World Cup in 2023, they’ll need to push the Boks as closely as they were pushed by the Wallabies here.
0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Tennis

Ajla Tomljanovic – the only Aussie left standing in the Wimbledon Ladies Singles’ 4th Round after she went from the 1st set to a comeback win v Barbora Krejcikova

by Sports Benches

Apart from the three Aussies being confirmed in the men’s singles fourth round with Alex De Minaur, Jason Kubler & Nick Kyrgios; We do only have one player left over at the women’s singles side – also in the fourth round – in none other than Ajla Tomljanovic. She too came from behind to eliminate the 2021 French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova from Czech Republic – 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 at Court No.12.

It’s not the exit the Czech wanted following a great start to this tie with an easy first set spell. She just couldn’t build on to bring herself home first ever since with two missed opportunities being taken away. She struggled to bridge that 2nd half consistency before Tomljanovic stepped in to tie at 1-1 apiece, brought it to a 3rd set decider where she later lost the lead & now it’s too late. She also hasn’t had a great grand slam record lately following her 1st round elimination recently at the French Open. But she’s 26 having made the Quarter-Finals earlier this year at the Australian Open, as it’s still possible for her to end her 2022 grand slam season on a high just like it was last year in the Final 8 at the US Open.

Meanwhile, Congratulations to Tomljanovic with the win she deserves against one of the past grand slam champions on-display. She may be disappointed with the poor start there by Krejcikova. However, she never gave up when Tomljanovic began to make up lost time as this tie goes on. Not only she was better than her opponent when it comes to the 2nd half pull, but also the persistence & fightback that helped gave herself another lifeline going into the 3rd set decider. From there, it allowed her a bit more time to read about Krejcikova’s on-court approach/body language before Tomljanovic smashed her way past the finish line first for the win.

It will be interesting to see if she can get past Alize Cornet from France on Monday – who just eliminated World No.1 Iga Swiatek from Poland – also in the third round tie – 4-6, 2-6. Should she win once again, it will be back-to-back Final 8s for another year here at Wimbledon.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Tennis

2022 French Open: Paula Badosa off to a great start after an easy 54 min match-up v Fiona Ferro in Round 1

by Sports Benches

And 3rd seed Spaniard Paula Badosa was just too good against Fiona Ferro from France in straight sets, 6-2, 6-0. She basically wrapped this up real quick in just 54 minutes from start to finis, as Badosa’s next opponent going into Round 2 tomorrow will be Estonian Kaja Juvan.

She’s currently ranked Number 2 behind Iga Swiatek from Poland in the world of the women’s singles game after Ash Barty chose to retire on a high with an Australian Open women’s singles’ title two months. Her best grand slam performance to date was the Quarter-Finals here last year where she was defeated by Slovakian Tamara Zidansek.

However, this is her only grand slam finals appearance so far after she couldn’t get past the Round of 16 earlier this year at the Australian Open by American Madison Keys in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1. It’s still a long way to go but a great tournament last year here on clay, as well as a great WTA Tour campaign, also off the back from the same year, will hopefully be her breakthrough in a bid to win her first grand slam career here at the Roland Garros.

And unlucky with the heavy loss from Ferro where she was eliminated very early in this tournament. She was on the same page as Badosa with a point or two at the beginning of this match-up, but she just couldn’t keep up the high standards Badsoa has set ever since.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Tennis

2022 French Open: Alex De Minaur eliminated early in a shock defeat by Frenchman Hugo Gaston despite a competitive battle out of a five-set showdown

by Sports Benches

We’re all gutted to see our Australian No.1 & World No.19 Alex De Minaur being eliminated early by Frenchman Hugo Gaston in the opening round of the 2022 French Open at Court Suzanne Lenglen, even though it was a really competitive effort by the two players.

He fired off well but then fell behind for a while where De Minaur at one point was on a brink towards an early end going into the third set. However, he never gave up and began to rebound lost time midway through this match-up with two easy mini-wins in sets 3 & 4. Unfortunately, he just couldn’t hold off Gaston in a head-to-head sprint to the finish when De Minaur blew his lifeline away during the 5th & final set via the tiebreak.

And hats off to 21-year-old Gaston who opened his French Open campaign he really wanted at home in Paris. He responded to De Minaur’s fire off beautifully at the beginning with a late snatch following the opening set before he was too good in the second stanza. Now he may began to falter when De Minaur denied Gaston the chance to close the opening round in straight sets, even though he was beaten so easily after the fourth set. However, you gotta praise his finishing going into the final set tiebreak where Gaston managed to reset himself that helped him bow out comfortably with the win.

The final score if 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 0-6, 7-6 via 10-6 tiebreaker, as Gaston will meet Argentine Pedro Cachin in the second round tomorrow.

There’s only one Aussie though in the men’s singles running when it comes to Jason Kulber after he too overcame a really tight battle v American Denis Kudla in straight sets that was all collected via tie-breakers. He will need to beat 10th seed Cameron Norrie from Great Britain if Kubler wishes to continue his run in the 2nd Round tonight.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Tennis

Tennis News, Rafael Nadal confirmed as the first player into the Quarter-Finals of 2022 Australian Open after he defeated Adrian Mannarino in straight sets

by Sports Benches

Wow! This is such a brilliant contest we’ve just seen at Rod Laver Arena as Rafael Nadal is the first player confirmed into the Quarter-Finals, he had to overcome a grueling and competitive opening set run against Adrian Mannarino via tiebreaker before Nadal wrapped this up quick and easy in straight sets (6-7 via 14-16 tiebreaker, 2-6, 2-6).

Not the best day out there for Mannarino in the office, he fought really hard at the beginning where the Frenchman was on the same page as Rafa that went all the way & almost got snatched the early lead. However, he just couldn’t kick on ever since having fell way behind, as these consolation games Mannarino accrued later on reflected his next run of inconsistency & eventual elimination from this main draw.

And congratulations to Rafa with the win, the Spaniard endured plenty of highs throughout this tie such as when Rafa came out unscathed after a very competitive opening set tiebreak. It boosted his confidence before he used that early lead towards bridging that other half run towards the finish line, and Rafa wrapped this up in the next two sets without a fuss as he will now face Candadian Denis Shapovalov for a Final 4 spot on Tuesday.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Australian Rugby News, Game 3 of the 2021 Australia v France Series

by Sports Benches

Great start from France who jumped ahead early, with credit coming from a robust defense that became the build up base in the 1st half.

But it’s the Wallabies who stole the show despite the red card controversy that left Marika Koroibete punished & had to play 14 men.

Nevertheless, they moved on with two wonderful tries (Tate McDermott & Noah Lolesio) off the back of France’s impatient attacking shape.

The home side tied 20-20 apiece at the break before they were able to get away with the win last night that sealed the three-game series 2-1.

France did make up some lost time off the work from Teddy Thomas who kept them in contention, but their impatience going forward especially with the lack of communication saw the Wallabies win that turnover before they kicked out.

And what a series indeed with three close finishes from both teams that reflected the top product of International Rugby.

Next up from the Wallabies is the three-game Bledisloe Cup Series v All Blacks starting on Saturday, August 7 at Eden Park, Auckland.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News, Top 3 players from Game 3 of the 2021 Wallabies v France Tour

by Sports Benches

Darcy Swain is outstanding on debut at the second row where he kept a robust French attack quiet, especially in the dying seconds that helped the Wallabies kick out for the win.

He already has the Brumbies mentality applied last night that was taught from Super Rugby, which it’s crucial to step up & handle against International opposition.

And Darcy used his tall reach with his vision/physicality that highlighted France’s weaknesses before he took it with both hands with some attacking help along the way. Well done with many more to come if he plays again next month v All Blacks.

Then we move onto fellow Brumbies team-mate Noah Lolesio who is sensational at first five-eighth.

The kicking accuracy is there as usual even from difficult distances that ultimately secured last night’s Game 3 & series tour win (2-1) for the Wallabies.

Noah also shown much physicality thanks to his creative vision that was too hard to chase him down. Not only he was patient when he had the ball in hand, but spotted their lack of communication via the passage of play before he intercepted in return with the 1st half big score.

So really good representation from both Brumbies stars who can become key players at both provincial & International level in the next couple of years.

Cameron Woki is not an easy opponent to run into at the openside back row for France, where he’s solid as a rock in defense that earned them winning penalties.

He handled the maul well going forward during the first half, so great setup towards an early lead via the TRY thanks to half-back Baptiste Couilloud.

But the one thing that stopped the French from winning is the impatient attacking shape, and it’s something they lack on occasions that ultimately saw the Wallabies steal in return.

#AUSvFRA #InternationalRugby #Rugby #RugbyUnion #Wallabies #France

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Australia V France 2nd Test in Melbourne

by Admin

13th of July 2021

By Daniel Cullinane

Twitter: @dcullinane02

After a close win for Australia in the first test, both teams had much to play for in this second encounter in Melbourne. For Australia, a win would wrap up the series. And for France, victory was essential to keep the series alive.

France would again be without Antoine DuPont, the best scrum half in the world. The game started at a fast pace. It was clear that both teams wanted to keep a high tempo and there was lots of running from deep, especially by the Wallabies.

Wing Marika Koroibete put in a scything run which resulted in him crossing the French line for the first try of the match. Unfortunately, earlier in the move the other Australian wing Tom Wright had knocked on meaning the try was chalked off.

However, it wouldn’t be the last time that we would see Koroibete in full flow.

The Wallabies had a tough first half with a few mistakes and turnovers at the breakdown. The French capitalised with points from the boot.

France are a hard team to penetrate. In Sean Edwards they have the best defensive coach in world rugby and the work he is doing with them along with their improved conditioning is paying dividends.

They showed the Wallabies how dangerous they are on a broken field with some nice interplay leading to a try for French flyer Damian Penaud. Australia came back with a try just before half time.

A wonderful long miss pass from prop Taniela Tupou saw scrum half Jake Gordon score in the corner. The half finished 13-16 to France.

In the second half, Wallabies captain Michael Hooper really stood up in attack and defence. The French adopted a pick and drive approach and were making huge gains into the Australian half.

Hooper was on hand to win a timely turnover and stopped the French momentum in it’s tracks. He showed up again later in the half, and with real determination he got over the French line and scored to keep his team in the match.

At crucial times when Australia were piling the pressure on France, they let them off by not being accurate enough. The Wallabies need to sort their lineout before the final test. French flanker Cameron Woki was immense in the second half.

On his own line he stole an Australian throw and then was on hand to help his team burst out of their 22 and up the field. The teams swapped penalties in a tense last few minute’s. The final score was 26-28 to France.

Going into the third and final test, surely it’s too close to call. The Wallabies have plenty to work on in the set piece. They know a lot more about the French now.

They know they are committed in defence and have the fitness to maintain it, and are creative in attack but also possess ball carriers across the field to punch holes.

My man of the match was Australian wing Marika Koroibete. He was outstanding in open play with his speed, but also served as an extra ball carrier for the Wallabies with his explosive physicality.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
  • 1
  • 2