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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

Blues overcame their lost penalties with a brilliant defensive shift before Ofa Tu’ungafasi saved the day that secured a spot in next Saturday’s Final v Crusaders

by Sports Benches

What a game that is to close out the semi-finals of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific by a one-point difference at Eden Park in Auckland, NZ. ACT Brumbies didn’t waste any time getting it started in the first few minutes before the Blues responded well with two tries ahead of half-time, 20-7. Now the Brumbies began to hold back the Blues when a couple of ill-discipline from their end helped them close the gap later in the 2nd half, with credit from a couple of new faces off the bench, including, Lachlan Lonergan. The sweet revenge was almost sent to the Blues for payback that would’ve sent the Brumbies to Christchurch for next Saturday’s final v Crusaders via the drop goal. But Ofa’ Tu’ungafasi deflection off Noah Lolesio’s kicking boots, as well as a tougher defensive unit saved the day for the Blues with the win at home, 20-19.

Unlucky from the Brumbies who were just eliminated from the Final 4. They started off well in within the first couple of Montreal from Inside Centre Irae Simone in the No.12 shirt. The usual change of faces in the 2nd half have certainly helped them return in contention, especially with Lachlan Lonergan’s superb two-try performance from sub hooker that almost gave them a chance to overtake the Blues for the win in the dying seconds. Yes, it’s hard to watch if you’re a Brumbies fan when Noah Lolesio’s drop-goal attempt was blocked by Ofa Tu’ungafasi where the ball eventually went into Blues’ hands that confirmed their spot for next Saturday’s final at home v Crusaders. Unfortunately, an inconsistent 1st half spell left them a lot of pressure to get the job done before a robust Blues defense sent them the final message which was too late.

And congratulations to the Blues with the win on home turf at Eden Park in Auckland. They responded really well to the Brumbies’ early headstart where the Blues put in an excellent first-half display; Credit to Hoskins Sotutu & Mark Telea with the tries alongside Stephen Perofeta begins the kicking tee towards the goal posts. Yes, there were a couple of disciplinary issues later in the 2nd half when the Blues couldn’t extend their winning share, as well as leaking a couple of tries – that almost got their ticket stolen by the Brumbies at the last minute for next Saturday’s final v Crusaders. But they hung in there tough right until the final hooter where their robust and desperate defense gave the Blues and its home supporters a sign of relief. As long as the Blues watch their discipline, there’s no doubt they can run the Saders ragged en route towards another Super Rugby championship with a mix of talented and big-name stars in their squad.

90 matches done, one to go with the Final to close out the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season at Eden Park in Auckland next Saturday at 5pm AEST.

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Rugby

Rugby News, Top 3 players from the Blues v Brumbies Semi-Final in the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific

by Sports Benches

Tom Robinson put in a huge shift on the second row at No.5 tonight for the Blues after he did everything possible to shut down a threatening Brumbies attack defensively. His near two-meter build and being at his prime right now gave the opposition team plenty of nightmares, with credit from his own numbers that helped stop the Brumbies from overtaking in their tracks. That same two-way communication applies in order to keep the Blues up front every time Robinson was being tested with his attacking contribution. As long as he keeps playing like this tonight, then he will make sure that the Blues robust and desperate defense will shut down the Crusaders at home once again next Saturday.

Next up is Stephen Perofeta in the No.15 Blues shirt at full-back. He displayed an all-round presence both in attack and defense that kept the Blues team’s hopes up right until the very end. Perofeta has no problem kicking into goal to share the workload with skipper Beauden Barrett, while running back and forth where he unpacked every bit of his natural game with the slam & tackle through each each end of the pitch. The physicality that allows him to be flexible as well as the team-work offered to support & protect his Blues team; these traits will be a series of Perofeta’s main weapons going into next Saturday’s final v Crusaders in a bid to take home the Championship.

And we’ve gotta say that the Brumbies are very good with substitutes, especially in the 2nd half when it comes to hooker Lachlan Lonergan – who came on for Folau Faingaa with 27 minutes to go. He was very dangerous to the Blues when the Brumbies made up lost time from 20-7 down after the break that almost cost them a Top 2 berth v Crusaders next Saturday. The patience was there with the help of his team-mates & winning penalties via the maul before Lachlan sorted his finishing touches from the usual throw-ins twice past the TRY line. But an inconsistent first-half run threw a lot of pressure to get the job done past a robust Blues defense before it was too late that ultimately cost them the final.

#BLUvBRU #SuperRugby #Brumbies #Blues #Rugby #TomRobinson #StephenPerofeta #LachlanLonergan #EdenPark #RugbyUnion

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2022 Super Rugby Pacific Quarter-Final 4: Top 3 players from the ACT Brumbies v Hurricanes Game

by Sports Benches

Irae Simone was one of the outstanding players for the Brumbies tonight in the No.12 shirt at Inside Centre. He created so many headaches to the other opposition end off the back of the Canes’ lost penalties and poor defense. That way, his work can be easy done where not only he collected a TRY in the 1st half but he also backed up as a support/cover player every time Simone checks in going forward to make sure the Brumbies are in the right track, as well unpack his finishing touches. And he too also limit the Canes’ opportunities with the ball in his tracks defensively. All in all, he’s the complete package in the midfield where Simone never stops running back and forth all night long.

Next up is fellow Brumby Lachlan Lonergan who replaced Folau Faingaa in the 56th minute, where he played a really big role of his team’s 2nd-half comeback in front of their home supporters at GIO Stadium. His throw-ins looked excellent as always, as well as a brilliant read on defense that derailed the Canes’ 2nd-half performance. It gave his side a chance to take advantage of the opposition team’s errors when Longergan was tested in attack, before he handed over the keys to over his support men & they made his life easier as the Brumbies were well and truly safe within the winner’s’ circle.

And Joshua Moorby rounds off the Top 3 when he was excellent at full-back in the first-half for the Hurricanes. He credits the team’s excellent start with the talk-up there, especially when the ball came to him before he unleashed himself past the TRY line twice that gave the Canes’ a small lead at the half-time break. But they just couldn’t keep the momentum when a few mistakes and lost penalties via ill-discipline let him down with limited attacking opportunities that preclude them from staying ahead; the pressure then spread to his forwards where it was too hard to stop a threatening Brumbies attack while the clock ticked against them before it’s too late later in the 2nd-half.

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Rugby News, Brumbies 2nd-half resurgence kicked the Hurricanes out of the Final 8 as they battle the Blues in the semis at Eden Park next Saturday

by Sports Benches

We wrap the first week of the 2022 Super Rugby Playoffs with the fourth and last Quarter-Final tie between the ACT Brumbies and Hurricanes here at GIO Stadium in Canberra.

It was a crash and bash Opening 40 where both teams experienced a mix of infringements with Len Ikitau being sent off under a red card that gave a huge blow for the Brumbies, while Owen Franks had to sit ten minutes in the naughty chair when it comes to the Hurricanes camp.

Nonetheless, it’s the Hurricanes who has the lead at half-time, 15-22 – Having made an excellent start courtesy of Joshua Moorby’s double TRY before the Brumbies began to make up some lost time & fought back with also both tries of their own.

But the winning team that came on top is the Brumbies as they took their semi-final spot next Saturday v Blues for a shot towards a Chiefs or Crusaders Final at Eden Park in Auckland, NZ. They were eight points down at one point with 30 minutes to go before they took advantage of the Canes’ poor throw-ins and lost penalties that came back to bite them in return, courtesy of two Toms in Tom Banks & Tom Wright.

The final score here at GIO Stadium is Brumbies 35-25 Hurricanes.

Hurricanes was be gutted to be thrown out of the Final 8 by the best Australian Super Rugby team right now and not complete an all New Zealand Final 4 showdown. They got the ball rolling with two early tries & a couple of three-point penalty goals that gave them the advantage to build a lead and try to stay ahead. However, mistakes have been plugging through square pegs in a round hole where poor line-outs & continued lost penalties not only robbed their finishing opportunities with the ball, but it also spread to their defense where the Canes’ just let that slip away against a resurgent Brumbies attack.

And the only Australian Super Rugby team standing into the Final 4 belongs to the ACT Brumbies. They had to play 14 men for a while without Len Ikitau after his unfortunate red card earlier in the 1st half over a dangerous tackle on Aiden Morgan’s jaw. But not hope is all lost when the Canes also experienced some disciplinary issues that helped the Brumbies fought back with a seven-point trail at the break. Then a couple of fresh faces off the bench benefitted one way while they took advantage of the Canes’ missed opportunities going forward, as the Brumbies ultimately came out on top as the winning team.

Now the Brumbies on the cusp towards another Super Rugby Final where these supporters will be right behind them through every step of the way, whether they’re tuning in from home on Stan Sport/9Gem or travelling to Eden Park in Auckland by their side.

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Rugby

Mark Nawaquanitawase’s 2nd Half double TRY for the Waratahs was cancelled out by the Blues fightback response & Zarn Sullivan’s match-winning drop-goal at Leichhardt Oval

by Sports Benches

What a game to look back from last night when I had the chance to watch the Waratahs v Blues on-site at Leichhardt Oval. It was a quiet first-half by both teams where the Tahs made plenty of chances going forward but without any score, while the Blues were held back by a series of lost penalties & ill-discipline before they took a late three-point penalty goal ahead of half-time.

The 2nd half though was wild where the Tahs led the way courtesy of Mark Nawaquanitawase’s sensational double tries that almost shocked the reigning Super Rugby Trans-Tasman champions. But in the end, the Blues were the better team; Not only responded really well, but they never gave up until the very end where that sensational drop-goal from Zarn Sullivan was enough to secure them the win, 17-20.

Unlucky from the Waratahs with the narrow loss here last night at Leichhardt Oval. The Tahs got the breakthrough they needed with the renewed momentum after half-time where Mark Nawaquanitawase scored a double TRY from his own end on the right-wing. However, they just couldn’t get the best of executions despite plenty of chances being created in the first-half off the back of a good defensive structure & winning penalties. That one huge weakness, as well a small lead just wasn’t enough for the Tahs to fend off the Blues towards the homestretch.

And congratulations to the Blues who snatched the win at the last minute that sent the Tahs supporters a huge blow on their home turf. They were lucky to get away from a dangerous Tahs attack when Ill-discipline stalled their progress in the first-half, as the Blues lost Adrian Choat & Akira Ioane to the naughty chair for a while at one point. It almost came back to bite them when Mark Nawaquanitawase’s double TRY gave the Blues some alarm bells to turn around in a race against time. But a change of tactics including some fresh faces off the bench helped the Blues respond to this fight, before Zarn Sullivan’s increased kicking responsibilities was enough to leave Leichhardt Oval with the win via a three-point drop goal.

So the Tahs will now face the Chiefs from Waikato on early Saturday afternoon instead of the 3rd placed Brumbies in the Quarter-Final if it’s not for that heartbreaking defeat. Meanwhile, the Blues will find out tonight on who they will face their 8th placed opponent for Quarter-Final No.1 on Friday; Is it the Western Force if the Melbourne Rebels can answer their favour v Highlanders as long as their opponents don’t take the bonus point, or the Highlanders beat the Rebels that will leave the Force outside the Top 8 Playoffs bubble.

The final game of the regular Super Rugby Pacific between the Rebels v Highlanders will take place on 2pm this afternoon at AAMI Park in Melbourne, while I will continue my big sporting weekend today at Sydney Motorsports Park in Eastern Creek, NSW, for the ARG SpeedSeries.

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Top 3 players from the Waratahs v Blues Game in Week 15 of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific

by Sports Benches

Luke Romano left Leichhardt Oval tonight with lots of hard work on his sleeve at No.4 (second row position) for the Blues. He still has so much physicality to unpack alongside his vast World Cup and All Black winning-experience at the age of 36 which is amazing. All he did tonight was protecting his team’s defensive line, as well as being a huge presence going forward so the Blues know where to score through the gate. And having talked a bit about leadership a bit earlier on, he’s good at talking them up especially when passing over his word to these youngsters. Not only it helped the Blues respond to the Tahs’ double try from Mark Nawaquanitawase in the 2nd 40, but he also inspired his side with the win they wanted at the last minute.

The next Blues player after Romano is Zarn Sullivan who wears the No.15 shirt at full-back. He’s gotta be the complete package here; he’s very mobile with the pace where he bursts his way through the channels, as well as being able to track back and tackle in defensive mode, and most importantly, his kicking accuracy. He also credits the Blues change of tactics in the last 40 with a couple of fresh faces off the bench, and him replacing Jock McKenzie as the leading kick taker, whether it’s via line outs or taking a shot towards the goalpost. That favoured kicking responsibilities was also another good reason why the Blues never stopped fighting with an extra edge of a few successful two-point conversions, until Sullivan secured his drop goal moment not long after the final hooter delivered his Blues team a game-winning result.

And we can’t get enough of Mark Nawaquantawase’s finishing on the wide right for the Waratahs. His back-to-back tries helped his side lead at one point with credit from the renewed momentum following the half-time break. However, he wishes that more of executions would’ve been done at the start, despite creating numerous chances that was gifted from these winning penalties. Unfortunately, it’s one huge weakness that puts so much pressure to stop the Blues defensively before it’s too late when Zarn Sullivan broke their hearts.

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Beauden Barrett’s last-minute drop goal for the Blues broke the Brumbies’ hearts last night with a 19-21 win in Canberra

by Sports Benches

It was a very close and low-scoring game last night at GIO Stadium in Canberra, where we saw the best of both Super Rugby teams in action from both Australia & New Zealand; ACT Brumbies v Blues from Auckland. The home team fired off well with the early lead before Blues fought back with a one-point buffer at half-time, 7-8. Both teams never game up later on where the Brumbies re-gained the lead with a minute to spare. Unfortunately, the Brumbies just couldn’t holf off towards the finish line, when they were hijacked by Beauden Barrett’s sensational drop-goal that secured his Blues side the win they truly deserve away from home. The final score is 19-21.

Unlucky from the Brumbies with the heartbreaking loss which left their home supporters frustrated. The home side started off well alongside a strong defensive shape where their opponents have trouble getting past them at times throughout tonight. However, they were punished with two yellow cards in the first-half which was one part being let down, while the Blues swooped a last-minute lead change towards half-time. Then there’s a lack of fire from the backline, where their limited contribution going forward have also let the home team down. It’s a high standard the Brumbies just couldn’t match with the Blues, which puts so much pressure defensively before Beauden Barrett struck them a huge blow in the end.

Congratulations to the Blues with an unbelievable win v the top-ranked Australian Super Rugby team, ACT Brumbies. Now they may have been behind in some areas, especially with the slow starts & poor defensive responses along the way. But they’re always excellent in the attack that scared off the Brumbies where the Blues bide their time patiently, especially with a number of winning penalties/advantages before they were able to get the job done. And the Blues just never gave up based on their best strengths & style of play, which also helped inspire them to close this match-up with the win via Beauden Barrett’s drop-goal.

We now have one game left this afternoon to round off Week 14 when the Highlanders welcome NSW Waratahs at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand. Then we finish off the regular season next weekend before finals time; Brumbies travel to Auckland v Moana Pasifika next Saturday Night, while Blues head to Leichhardt Oval in Sydney v Waratahs at the same time.

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Rugby

Rugby News, Top 3 players from the ACT Brumbies v Blues Game in Week 14 of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific

by Sports Benches

The Blues have a real hero in star man Beauden Barrett at first-five eighth after his heroics last night. He brings a lot of creative and attacking ideas that helped get the ball rolling for his Blues team. The patience is there when the Blues bide themselves some time, especially when going up against a robust Brumbies defense. It helped his Blues side win penalties, as well as a couple of successful tries before he finished off the game perfectly with a drop goal kick by himself. He hopes to leave a legacy for Auckland by gifting them one or two Super Rugby trophies, while helping his side dominate this decade in place of the Crusaders.

The next standout Blues player is rugby league-turned-union convert Roger Tuivasa-Sheck at inside centre. He loves being part of the attack by smashing his way through the Brumbies defensive line, as well as shielding the opposition half that helped the Blues gave a couple of clues on where to plant that TRY line. His physicality and pace also helped him flex his defensive contribution, especially when he successfully chased down Nic White at one point. He’s loving the XVs so far straight away after a decorated career in the NRL, as he hopes to nail down a Super Rugby title soon before putting his hat for All Blacks selection.

And Darcy Swain proved to be a menace to the Blues last night on the second row, having frustrated them a couple of times.
Yes, he would be disappointed with the yellow card over a rash tackle where the Brumbies dearly missed him that saw the Blues snatch a late lead ahead of half-time. But he never puts a foot wrong when it comes to his contribution on the pitch, thanks to his tall reach & mobility. He always ensured that the his Brumbies stopped the Blues from coming in its tracks defensively; He also formed a brilliant response going forward with the pace & physicality where the home side stayed well in this fight. Unfortunately, he dearly missed his backline where they weren’t firing like the Blues did, which was the one huge area that came to bite back the Brumbies.

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Rugby News, Top 3 players from the Queensland Reds v Moana Pasifika in Week 14 of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific

by Sports Benches

Jock Campbell has every reason to say why he’s an important member of the Queensland Reds backline in the wing and full-back roles, having re-signed a two-year contract extension. He was outstanding last night with two tries in the Opening 40. The credit is there from his team-mates when a mix of short passes and cross-kicks got the best of Campbell with pace, where he’s able to get the ball on time and plant it down on the TRY scoring area. And he can use the same attributes to when it comes to his defensive contribution. There’s a lot to look forward to from Jock going into next week v Crusaders, the Playoffs and the next two seasons; he’s also looking forward to help these Reds youngsters get used to Super Rugby level as well.

Speaking about future Reds stars, how about Josh Flook who filled in at outside centre last night alongside Hamish Stewart in the No.13 shirt. He just never stops running where Flook has been very destructive in the attack v Moana that helped his Reds side secure tries. Not only he can shield the Moana defense so Reds know where to plant down that bit of space, Flook can also run and beat one to two Moana players before he finds Fraser McReight with the assisted finish; now that is what we call it excellent communication and support play by the 20-year-old. Having played nearly every game so far this Super Rugby season across multiple backline roles, he hopes that his extended opportunities will help him hold the Crusaders accountable next Friday.

And you can’t underestimate Solomone Funaki’s physical aggression last night that made the Reds looked scared a couple of times for Moana Pasifika, where he plays No.6 at blindside flanker. He credits the teamwork there which helped him give a closer look of the Reds defense, especially when they’re attacking with the ball where a couple of his players worked well with Funaki together in all areas, so Moana know where to score. Unfortunately, a poor defensive response as well as some lost penalties held Moana back with the loss, despite the headstart after Funaki scored their opening try.

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