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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.

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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

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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.

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Rugby News, Top 3 players from Game 2 of the 2021 Wallabies v France Tour

by Sports Benches

Louis Carbonel is exceptional at fly-half for France last night, having became involved in adding the points they need.

He used his best strengths well with so much physicality and creative vision that limited these chances from the Wallabies going forward, before he brought his men in which ultimately controlled the game with patience.

Then we move onto his team-mate Cameron Woki who was dynamic in both ways on the blindside position.

He looked after the defense well that became the starting point of France’s game plan thanks to his reading.

And Cameron was able to work with the backline on the same page, when he lended a helping hand in the attack that made a good difference.

Without his hard work the French forward wouldn’t be the same without him & he did very well to keep the Wallabies quiet.

Tom Banks was the best player out of the Wallabies camp alone at full-back when he showed explicit pace and physicality in the attack.

However, he needed support players around him where we didn’t see this much and it’s the one weakness that left Tom isolated.

They scored just two tries last night, so the backline players around him must step up if the Wallabies wants to win the Game 3 decider this Saturday.

#ausvfra #louiscarbonel #cameronwoki #tombanks #wallabies #france #internationalrugby #rugby #rugbyunion

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Australia v France Game 1 of 3 Test Series & Top 3 players Review

by Sports Benches

What a close matchup between the Wallabies & France in Game 1 of 3 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

The French may have clinched the 1st half alone 7-15, with two superb tries coming from Gabin Villière on the left wing.

He demonstrated so much pace off their early patience upfront, especially when he was blessed with the inside ball support from Jonathan Danty in the midfield.

But it doesn’t mean the game is over yet for the Wallabies to catch up, having seen them settle in following the slow starts.

Michael Hooper was exceptional as always on the openside back row, where not only he held the French accountable with the defensively.

But he can be a great plot in the attack as well. Such an all-rounder with so much physicality & leadership if I can say a couple of words to Mick.

And how about Taniela Tupou who came off the bench at tighthead with 30 mins to go?

The best part about him is his attacking setup, as he has the reading, pace & muscle that helped Australia stay in contention.

It’s something the French found it difficult to handle on their danger zone, which hindered chances to stay ahead like it was in the first 40. Even the three-point penalty goals wasn’t enough to provide that boost they hope to close out.

Without Taniela on it wouldn’t be possible where he didn’t start Game 1 behind Allan Alaalatoa. What a way to wow in front of his Queensland Reds home fortress. 2nd Game moves to AAMI Park in Melbourne next Tuesday, as the Wallabies win 23-21 France & lead this series 1-0.

#AUSvFRA #Wallabies #France #MichaelHooper #TanielaTupou #GabinVillière #Rugby #RugbyUnion #InternationalRugby #TestRugby #SuncorpStadium

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Rugby News, Darren Coleman takes up the NSW Waratahs job in a rebuilding project ahead of the 2022 Super Rugby season

by Sports Benches

Great move by the NSW Waratahs to have someone named Darren Coleman who knows the system in NSW very well!

Especially when he developed a great reputation in club rugby, which is the first grade Shute Shield level. Having guided Gordon to a championship last season.

He will finish coaching the LA Giltinis soon in Los Angeles for the Major League Rugby before moving back to Sydney.

It will be a difficult ride for sure after a disastrous 2021 campaign but is here for the long haul, so the Tahs can return to winning ways & most of all win trophies.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Final: Top 3 players from the Blues v Highlanders

by Sports Benches

Hoskins Sotutu has wowed his Blues fans all night at Number 8. Where he was part of building a great defensive shape. As the Highlanders began to suffer with the poor discipline despite leading early. The reading was there to help convert the focus from defense to attack. Before he made them stabilise with the patience.

That is how he was able to help get away with the winning penalties. In which did lead towards a spectacular first 40 touchdown from Mark Talea. While the next half after the break may not exactly been the same. But once again Hoskins found a way to expose their main weaknesses. And it would be the lack of conversion/execution going forward.

As soon as the Blues found them isolated at the back of their danger area. Hoskins picked up the pieces before he gave Blake Gibson the winning moment. Such an all-round performance on the back row that backed his natural game. Hoskins has improved over the past year starting with Super Rugby Aotearoa. And he puts so much hard work for his provincial team every week. So the tight competition is there should he start for the All Blacks.

Mark Talea

He also played really well on the right wing tonight for Auckland Blues. The credit was there at the start when his side were patient. Having seen the opponents struggle to find their way past the Blues terroritory. So Mark took care of that defensively with the vision & tackle.

Then he was so ready when Blues found a way to process these conversions. And Otere Black at one point cross kicked straight to him. Where he has the tall reach to keep the ball in play on the far left. Before Mark unleashed the pace to cap off an easy ride for the touchdown.

It helped his side lead towards the half-time break. Now they may have lost the lead again before the final 10 minutes of the night. But Mark lended a hand to protect his own forward pack. It prevented

the Highlanders from smashing The Blues brick wall. Before they went on to turnaround the away team’s isolation on their own half. That helped Hoskins set up another TRY which ultimately confirmed as the winners. Overall Mark is such a team player where he can haunt any other opposition. Courtesy of his attacking awareness such as the pace to provide the execution. Plus the defensive skills with the tackling & protect his forwards.

Jona Nareki

He ran really hard on both fronts in attack & defense. Where Jona did his best to stop The Blues from bypassing his own way. The physicality and pace is there to cancel these phases on occasions. It helped the referee choose a couple of winning penalties to his Highlanders team.

As they were able to make up the correct three-point penalty kicks possible. But the one big weakness that let him down tonight is the executions. They did have their chances to build some pressure back to The Blues upfront. It was either a lack of long-term planning or just rushed through it. There was no way Jona was unable to get past The Blues end, When they were held back by the ill-discipline.

And despite seeing his side leading again it was still not enough to hold off. It is quite hard for Jona to go through this as runners-up. The Highlanders came from a long way from the back half of Super Rugby NZ. Before they wowed everyone during the Trans-Tasman leg out of nowhere. Especially when they had a free run against the five Australian teams. He now to go one better next year regardless of the format. Whether it will be Super Rugby NZ or a full Trans-Tasman season.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Final: Blues v Highlanders

by Sports Benches

Such a competitive first 40 from both teams in the Blues & Highlanders. Blues were very patient when it comes to the attack. A number of winning penalties provided those opportunities needed to get ahead. Before Mark Talea managed to touch down the big score first. Thanks to a fantastic cross kick from Otere Black.

Highlanders also doing well with plenty of involvement in the Blues zone at the start. The early three-point penalty goal reflected the build up base built defensively. But they need to sort out their lost penalties through the ill-discipline.

As the Highlanders were messy with the poor throw-ins & attacking chances. The yellow card of Ash Dixon gave the Blues some fightback. Although, the away team are not of the race just yet ahead of half-time. They just added another three-point penalty goal in the 35th minute. The score going into the 2nd half is 13-6 to Blues.

Blues may have not had the chance to extend their lead for a while. So nothing much changed when the Highlanders began to catch up at one point. Despite the fact they have scored a series of correct penalty goals against them.

But the home side did not waste any time catching up immediately. Especially when Harry Plummer’s kick from the difficult angle sinked in. Before Hoskins Sotutu found a way to turnover a scrambled Highlanders gate. That is how he got away where he assisted Blake Gibson with the finish. As Blues managed to shut them down after the full 80, 23-15 at Eden Park.

The 18 year drought is finally over for the Blues on home soil in Auckland. They deserve this moment after finishing 2nd in the 2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa. It might not have been the same in the same NZ-only comp before the Trans-Tasman began. But The Blues came in clean with picking up as many victories + points possible. And they ended up as victors tonight thanks to their patient attacking shape. That is how The Blues took advantage of the Hurricanes errors.

Such as the ill-discipline and lack of executions despite the penalty goals. It puts so much pressure to their defensive end that was so hard to hold off. Thanks to Hoskins Sotutu who handed Blake Gibson the Blues winning moment. Now we are looking at the International Test season starting next month. It is a three-match tour between Australia v France.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Week 5 Saturday Summary

by Sports Benches

It may be difficult for me to keep up with a few sporting events at the same time in a busy weekend which is so huge to cover so had to rest up at times with managing my body. But I will put in a summary of what we have seen so far from Week 5 of the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.

First of all, we will start with the Crusaders here and they may have won all five games so far in this cross-border competition between the Australian and New Zealand teams. That includes yesterday afternoon’s encounter v Melbourne Rebels at Leichardt Oval, New South Wales at 52-26. But they unfortunately did not meet the 33 point margin & bonus point requirements to pip The Blues for next weekend’s final.

It did not go the Crusaders way when The Blues had a big head start v Western Force in the 1st half at 28-0. The Aickland-based side were almost blown off by the Force’s fantastic comeback after the break alone but not enough time to catch up in the end at 31-21. So it’s an all New Zealand showdown once more at Eden Park & see who will take home this trophy ahead of the International leg which kicks off next month.

Then we go to Brookvale Oval for the final regular Super Rugby Trans-Tasman game as NSW Waratahs welcome The Chiefs from Waikato. Chiefs pulled away with the early lead before the home team registered a late first touch just right on half-time thanks to a Will Harrison cross kick that sent Mark Nawaqanitawase flying up high. But it’s the visitors who stole the show when Sean Wainui collected a whopping five tries at 7-40 that sums up the Tahs frustrating 2021 test.

We were excited to see them battle against the Kiwi counterparts beforehand after a wonderful 10 weeks of Super Rugby AU. But it’s no fun seeing the Australian teams fall way behind with only two wins out after five rounds in the 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman which saw all five of them out of the Top 2 almost immediately. There are some good moments however when it comes competing against the best, and it will benefit them in the long term from 2022.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD4: Brumbies v Hurricanes

by Sports Benches

It was a low scoring affair in Canberra between Brumbies v Canes. The home team were able to get away first thanks to Ryan Longeran. While Canes were held back due to ill-discipline they too have leveled it up. With courtesy of Dane Coles before they won the penalty just before HT. As Jordie Barrett knicked one well from long range between the sticks. The score was Brumbies 7-10 Hurricanes.

But nothing much happened from the Canes after the break however. When they still dealt with the same mistakes from the first 40. It gave the Brums ample time to get it done up front. Thanks to the change of subs & penalties Len Ikitau struck back with the TRY. Although the Canes have plenty of chances towards a late win. But not enough time to get their attacking shape organised. With Jordie Barrett unable to clear the kick into the goal posts. As ACT Brumbies end the Canes unbeaten run on home soil (12-10).

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