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Rugby Union

Black Ferns too good yet again for the Wallaroos in women’s rugby while Central Pulse well clear past Magic in Netball to kickstart the 2025 ANZ Premiership Season

by Sports Benches May 10, 2025

Hats off to the Black Ferns first of all with yet another Trans-Tasman win v the Wallaroos this afternoon in Newcastle.

That’s the team every other top rugby nation wants to emulate which does takes time but hopefully by the home World Cup in 2029, Wallaroos can be sure enough to blow World Rugby away by surprise.

The end goal in the meantime going into this year’s next Women’s RWC later this September is to make the Quarter-Final again at least with the bonus point being an occasional semis run.

They have proved they can win that isn’t against the Black Ferns and sure with the dominant 7s girls looking to help them out but in the XVs, they could achieve that objective after all – we’ll wait and see.

And maybe they could spur up more amazing moments here and there including that cross kick cut that could’ve been any sensational than that in the last minute, even though we know they didn’t win.

For now, lots of additions from the women’s side of the game here like the Trans-Tasman domestic club Super Final, which we could see them play more often like the men currently do in Super Rugby.

More women’s sport? The ANZ Premiership Netball comp in NZ also started today to write the first page of 2025. Gotta say Central Pulse steered well clear off the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic by 55-44 in front of their home supporters – so far, so good. Don’t know what else to say from Magic other than making good use of the new super shots in this comp but they better start planning for the future, that’s all.

There will be an Auckland rivalry going on early tomorrow afternoon with the Mystics and Stars. Interesting to see how the Mystics get on without Nweke but so does the Stars who has a new-look line-up & a new coach.

And of course, Tactix will take on Steel also tomorrow but during the night time in Christchurch. Can’t wait for that and with the Steel also new-look that features a strong group of players coming through, looks like they could be up to either finish 3rd or even split up the Pulse and Mystics.

Steel were champions in the past remember back in 2017 and 2018 although they haven’t been at their best over the past two years but sometimes a new direction has to make sense than continuing as it is & they’ve chosen to go with the latter.

Now it’s up for them to game on all along right from centre pass over the next 10 weeks plus two more if they possibly can.

May 10, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

2025 Super Rugby Season Week 13 of 16: Blues too good for the Fijian Drua in Suva and Reds delivered Waratahs a crushing blow once again at Moore Park’s Allianz Stadium

by Sports Benches May 9, 2025

Blues were absolutely too good for the Fijian Drua even when they were playing away in front of the Drua’s passionate home fortress in Suva by 0-34. On the same night going south at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, we did see a much tighter contest following another state v state clash between Waratahs and Reds.

But again, Reds’ attacking backline were key to outshine the Waratahs in one particular area to close out the game, and they did so too in fine fashion by 21-28.

While Blues stay on track inside 5th alongside Reds holding on clear 4th just ahead by a single point, it’s looking tough and tougher by the week from the Waratahs unfortunately as of late.

Having seen Joseph Suaalii hauled off due to injury along with a lack of ideas to stop the Reds from walking out 1st towards full-time, those next three games – the last three to finish off 2025 – by the Waratahs will be the toughest one yet again if they want to end up being Top 6 by the end of this month.

Don’t know what to say other than being clueless based on their recent form with their away results not a good pill to swallow.

And yes, Drua’s 2025 ain’t the same when Mick Byrne took the Fijian National team job post-season last year. They are unlikely taste Finals compared to 2023 and 2024 but they will do whatever it can to finish on a high.

There’s two games to come tomorrow night across the Trans-Tasman with the Crusaders v Chiefs and Western Force v Brumbies.

Top 3 players of the night

Drua v Blues

Corey Evans is right on the money every time he clears out those decks being the Blues’ resident speed demon that also shows excellent team-work at 15.

Taufa Funaki doesn’t disappoint as the Blues’ starting 9 lately that is vital to stay Top 6 who continues to put these fine performances so he knows they’re ahead like last week v Western Force.

Drua could’ve used a trick or two especially when they had less ball but their young 4 Mesake Vocevoce was the Drua’s hit song tonight – like how he outmuscled the Blues defense including one that almost led to a TRY.

Waratahs v Reds

From Suva to the Sydney Allianz, Tim Ryan on the left 11 provided his junkyard dog push that turned into a number of rewarding tries. Filipo Daugunu, unbelievably creative on the outside 13 – take note of that Joe, seems we’ve got a surprise right here this July v the Lions.

And unlucky from Waratahs with Joseph knocked out in the head and their attack just difficult to match that spark, Langi Gleeson took no prisoners at the heart of their back row & he won’t give up with the last three games tough inc. last two away to see out 2025.

May 9, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

2025 Super Rugby Season, Round 12 of 16: Blues sign off full-time as clear victors plus the bonus point over Western Force

by Sports Benches May 2, 2025

Yes, Force had a painfully difficult night against the Auckland Blues at Eden Park even though their first half wasn’t bad (12-7) + the early 10-20 mins of the 2nd part.

Unfortunately, Force were simply blown away by the Blues stronghold bench where the margin gets bigger and bigger over time and there was no stopping Blues towards the end – not even winning a losing bonus point would add a bit more suffering when it comes to the Top 6 Finals race. The final score was 40-19.

Going into the weekend with four games still to play including the rare Sunday afternoon outing, Force now sit 7th and Blues back in the zone just one place ahead in 6th as of Round 12 out of 16.

Here are the games that are coming up between tomorrow and Sunday:

Fijian Drua v Reds in Suva tomorrow at 12pm AEST
Hurricanes v Chiefs in Wellington tomorrow at 5pm AEST
Brumbies v Waratahs in Canberra tomorrow at 7.30pm
Highlanders v Moana Pasifika in Dunedin at 1.30pm Sunday

For Force, they have the last three being difficult with the Brumbies first next Saturday night, Drua away in Fiji and the Waratahs later this month for Round 15.

All they could to is bring that home crowd noise and who knows? They could bring up a surprise and have an extended shot in the Finals come next month for Force.

Plus, Blues got back-to-back Pasifika opponents in Drua next Friday and Moana Saturday week. Then they will take the week off on the second last round before they finish the regular run off v Waratahs.

Top 3 players of the night

AJ Lam – what a difference he’s made as the Blues reserve 15 in the 2nd half who can also play in other positions within the backline. He deserves a deeper run so Blues could make Finals once again & if he can do that, then Scott Robertson should consider him as his back-ups for the ABs.

There’s Cole Forbes has International suitors following his two-try haul on the outside back right. Cole had success in the past in Scotland likewise with coach Vern Cotter whose tactics got the better of his running rugby and now he’s ready to put his International standing on the map.

Bummer for Force whose good start with Carlo Tizzano still scoring were slipped away later where Blues got the better bench than them. But one player who’s still got it was Kurtley Beale following his long lay-off from Achilles injury.

He knows where to funnel around & cash in whose contribution in the remaining rounds would hopefully give Joe Schmidt food for thought v the Lions – probably as back-up in the green and gold again.

May 2, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

Super Rugby 2025 Round 11 of 16: Hurricanes def. Brumbies 29-35 as NZ drought now over in Aussie soil at GIO Stadium

by Sports Benches April 26, 2025

It’s been a while but a NZ team has finally tasted victory on Aussie soil for the first time in 2025 after 11 rounds with five to go before Finals time with thanks to the Hurricanes who got away with the win over the ACT Brumbies in Canberra 35-29.

Both had their moments and struggles too along the way but again, Hurricanes have the upper hand this time where they got some good players coming back along with a functional attacking backline – particularly the starting left & right wingers where tries were made there.

For Brumbies, they’re still sitting 3rd behind the winning weekend teams Chiefs and Crusaders on the ladder which is good news. Chiefs won early last night v Force who were too good and so does the Crusaders earlier tonight v Highlanders.

But it’s going to be tough road from here when Brumbies will take on Dan McKellar’s Waratahs as the home side now back here at GIO Stadium next Saturday under the lights and they’ve lost the previous one last time in Moore Park.

The Race for Top 6 Finals: First four seems certain with 4-5 teams fighting so hard for places five and six

At least the road for the Top 6 is gonna be extremely tight especially the last two spots and you’ve got four if not five teams gunning for it before it closes after Week 16 and then the second lot of rides go from there with the lucky loser for semis.

Safe bets would be the Western Force and Waratahs over Hurricanes.

Then you’ve got Moana Pasifika also back on track at the right time thanks to Ardie Savea’s return to selection following their Pacific derby afternoon win over the 11th-placed Fijian Drua by 34-15.

Meanwhile, defending champions Blues?

Still a possibility who have the still flying Force next up at Eden Park on Friday after they were battered and bruised by the Reds last night.

And safe to say not so much for Highlanders unfortunately looking at their remaining matches of 2025.

Top players to watch tonight

Looks like we’ve got a World Heavyweight Championship contender Super Rugby version v ten others for that one prestigious belt representing the Hurricanes – Kini Naholo, brilliant stuff with two tries tonight on the left 11.

Xavier Numia made a big difference when he helped the Canes increase their lead on the reserve front row and great to see Billy Proctor back with a bang at 13.

Still more work to do but hey, Canes now back in Top 6 firing all cylinders from the wings as the first team to win on Aussie shores this season.

Brumbies, meanwhile, couldn’t do much defensively while they’ve lacked ball (should’ve gone all-in expansive) other than some quick plays and solid late momentum.

Nick Frost gave them a fighting chance (second row 4) where Brumbies could’ve done any better had the Canes continued to slip up more often like last Saturday v Force – bonus point better than nothing.

April 26, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

Super Rugby 2025 Round 11 of 16: Force were hit with a crushing blow following Bay Oval’s first match v Chiefs while Reds stood firm at home Lang Park fortress v Blues

by Sports Benches April 25, 2025

Chiefs being too good for the Force when a promising start from the Perth fades real quick going into the second 40 in a Super Rugby being first held at Bay Oval that is well renowned for NZ cricket by 56-22.

From Mount Maunganui to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, fortunately the Reds stood firm over a lapse concentrated Blues side 35-21, as we go into the weekend with still no NZ side win yet on an Aussie front as of Round 11 out of 16.

Time will tell if the Brumbies win tomorrow night that could leave the Hurricanes empty-handed en route back to Wellington and things could still be rosy after all on their road for a proper Finals run by the Force.

Force currently sit 5th which is one place over the Waratahs who are taking the week off but again, a bonus point win for the Canes is a must if they want another shot at the Finals later this season.

And since the Hurricanes have drawn to the Force also last weekend in Perth, looks like it will be a tough ground to win over the breezy cold in Canberra.

There’s two other games also tomorrow with Moana Pasifika v Fijian Drua at North Harbour in Auckland and Highlanders will have a tough night out in Dunedin when they take on the 1st-placed Crusaders.

Top 3 players from both matches of the night

Chiefs v Force

Cortez Ratima zooms, zooms while his hands always sticks and never really falls off as unreal stuff that turns into tries and try assists from the Chiefs starting No.9.

Ollie Norris born in Sydney btw grasps and pounces every turn with a slice of the scoring pie at loosehead (Chiefs 1) on what a been a great night at Bay Oval.

Also, Harry Potter is your man who need it most in high-scoring games (Force No.14) where he can go right at you thick and fast at the other end but then a good start quickly fades away with poor defense being the culprit.

Reds v Blues

Meanwhile in Brisbane, Tom Lynagh as first-choice in the Wallabies shirt at 10?

He’s gone strength to strength with two early tries on top of his spotless kicks to goal – such a magician who is more than ready to take on at the biggest stage of top-level rugby.

Josh Canham also on fire on the Reds second row 4 in not just turning the Blues away, he also smashed deeper ground too as more to come on his 2nd finals run (could be semi or GF) + more Wallabies on-field caps especially with the Lions coming over soon on our backyard after May.

And Hoskins Sotutu continued to hit the hard yards on the Blues 8 but one too many missed opportunities & poor discipline paid the price that went the Reds way for coach Les Kiss in the end.

April 25, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

2025 Super Rugby Week 10 of 16: Crusaders finds a way in the end to still hold on top spot of the ladder v Blues

by Sports Benches April 18, 2025

Scenes? What scenes? I’d say amazing scenes on what has been a current champs v seasoned past champs contest in Christchurch with the Crusaders broke the hearts of the Blues at the last minute courtesy of a successful James O’Connor penalty goal (who came on reserve back for Teha Kemara at No.10) by 25-22.

You just can’t believe how close the Blues wanted this so badly when they had a poor start to the year but then they’re no match at the moment when it comes to going up against either two of the best NZ teams including the Crusaders. All they have to do now is just stay positive when Blues go to Brisbane v Reds next Friday.

Meanwhile, what a story and remarkable signs of progress this year on the Crusaders rebuilding phase under Rob Penney even though last year wasn’t the best we thought. But hey, it’s important to have the experience ones helping these homegrown youngsters they’ve got and look they are now – they’re back in business on top of the Super Rugby ladder.

As long as they keep on winning including including two Australian games coming up soon (one involving Waratahs and looking to go there myself in Moore Park), we could be sure that the Crusaders would return winning championships once again.

Super Rugby continues with four games to finish off Round 10 tomorrow:

Fijian Drua v Waratahs, 12pm
Moana Pasifika v Brumbies, 2.35pm
Chiefs v Highlanders, 5.05pm
Western Force v Hurricanes, 7.35pm

Top players spotlight

Fletcher Newell is the man you need to know, mow and break down on the tighthead front row whenever the Crusaders need it most especially on wet weather conditions like this & sure his good performances this season will want him up front for the ABs later this year – just ask Tamaiti WillIams.

Noah Hotham making the out of the Crusaders half-back options even though he only has been playing the last few games after some time out due to an ankle injury but he likes to make things quick and his tough all-round ability reflects on that v the champs Blues.

Shoutout to James O’Connor also with that winning penalty kicking post and they’re still flying high on top of the ladder.

And Hoskins Sotutu’s performance tonight was tough as nails where the Blues so close if it wasn’t for that unlucky 1st half plus there’s hit and misses with endless push and shoves while funnelling passes out of nothing – Scott Robertson better save him now or he might as well wear the Red Rose instead.

April 18, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

2025 Super Rugby Season Week 9 of 16: ACT Brumbies has unfinished business now 3rd on the ladder following their 26-39 win over the Queensland Reds

by Sports Benches April 12, 2025

Tonight’s Reds v Brumbies match was full of physically-contested slides on the field like we see in ten-pin bowling with handling errors through a series of hits and misses being a key Achilles heel towards one team’s loss here and there.

The winner turned out to be the Brumbies by 26-39 who backflipped the Reds good start with a series of brilliant executions while maintaining a lot of ball that is good with their retention – something the Reds couldn’t hang on with their long game.

Now at this time of the year, the Brumbies are back in business this time sitting Top 3 behind the Chiefs (2nd) and Crusaders (1st). Speaking of this time, they want to be the ones to be the next Australian team to play in a Super Rugby final proper again after being outside Grand Finals best for a number of recent years now since 2022.

Although the regular season isn’t done yet going into Week 10 out of 16, here’s more you need to know also from elsewhere:

The resurgent Crusaders still currently standing up tall over everyone having successfully hold off the Hurricanes to begin Week 9’s share of games earlier last night in Christchurch by 24-31.
NSW Waratahs rejoice as the last earned Aussie Super Rugby champ at least in its proper comp that goes back to 2014 following their home win this time against a NZ team in the Chiefs by 21-14 also last night at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park.
Moana Pasifika’s bid for Top 6 will have to wait another time now after they were held back by the Auckland Blues earlier in the arvo by 36-17.
And Highlanders back on track from last Saturday’s loss v the Flying (Western) Force in Perth to a big win over the wooden spooners Fijian Drua prior to this game in Dunedin, 43-20.

Top players Pick

First up, Allan Alaalatoa – he’s a very important part of their front row props glue at tighthead 3 alongside former Red James Slipper on the other loosehead 1.

They both make up crunch time, every time and by outmuscling Reds, Brumbies exactly know what to do to keep on churning with their end goals at full speed.

Also a great time too to have Rob Valetini back on the blindside 6 from injury and Brumbies will continue to unfinished business & maybe in Grand Final this year.

And if one stood out for the Reds alone, it’s gotta be Hunter Paisami on the inside 12 where he too fought hard with a pack of punches off his shoulders thanks to his team’s good start. Unfortunately, they’ve messed things up tactically all over the place with lost balls/penalty caught by the ref, and Reds better be careful next time.

April 12, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

Thoughts on Rugby Australia’s TV rights contract extension that is now finalised with Nine and Stan between 2026-2030

by Sports Benches April 9, 2025

The decision has already been made yesterday as Nine and Stan now confirmed to stay on with Rugby Australia for another five years when it comes to the next TV rights contact that is set to start from next season (2026) to at least the end of 2030.

Here’s what we know so far:

All Super Rugby games will be aired on Stan Sport.
All Wallabies and Wallaroos games including the Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Championship (Stan only everywhere else that isn’t Wallabies) and the proposed Nations Cup/Spring Tour to be on both Nine and Stan.
All Club Rugby games both NSW Shute Shield and QLD Hospital Cup will also stay on Stan for at least the next two seasons with one main weekly Saturday afternoon game back on free-to-air also on Nine through 9Gem including Finals.
All other content they’ve got will also stay on only through Stan from Super W to U-16 and U-19 National Championships as well as Six Nations, Currie Cup, NZ’s National Provincial Championship and many more including the full All Blacks v Springboks 2026 (to SA) & 2030 (back in NZ) tours.
The final cost would be around $215 million ($43 million per season) with up to $30 million add-ons depending on the Wallabies and Australian Super Rugby teams’ successes over time.

So what’s missing? No Saturday night free-to-air weekly Super Rugby games.

That contract obligation they’ve got at the moment has now been removed starting next season onwards to aid with RA’s retention of keeping their top players away from lucrative overseas playing and money opportunities as Nine chose to give them more cash instead by swapping Super Rugby with all Wallabies and Club Rugby games returning on free-to-air TV.

Nothing much to do with increased ratings or exposure really, although there’s still a possibility that Nine could still air some Super Rugby games after all albeit at different times during the season.

It could only be key matches or even a mix of both Friday nights plus some Sunday afternoon regular-season games on what they call it flexible scheduling including one weekly finals on Saturdays, I don’t know.

But I hope RA and Nine with their paid streaming subsidiary Stan will find a way soon enough to keep Super Rugby on free-to-air at least in some way, so we don’t have to feel disappointed & not like it was in the past when there were no live Super Rugby games at all other than replays & highlights until 2021 all thanks to Nine.

Regardless of that, sure we are moving onto the right direction for the betterment of Rugby Australia, when Super Rugby is going well at the moment at the expense of our four Aussie teams along with the front row potential of winning it all in the green & gold Wallabies when we take on the British and Irish Lions as well as another Trans-Tasman contest later this year.

April 9, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

2025 Super Rugby Season Week 8 of 16: Western Force out to make another statement in intent for their Finals hunt after win over Highlanders

by Sports Benches April 5, 2025

It’s been a game of two halves once again tonight by the Western Force at home at HBF Park and the visiting Highlanders from Otago where Highlanders know how to get the ball rolling but one too many mistakes here and there saw the Force reaped the rewards and they’ve made a huge statement with the 29-20 win in the end.

Looking at elsewhere, okay, the results may not have gone our way with the Reds and Waratahs both lost out to Chiefs and Moana Pasifika respectively over in NZ.

But still, we have four Aussie Super Rugby teams inside the Top 6 which is great for us rugby fans and also for the competition itself. Although there’s still a long way to go where things can change everything with another eight to go before the regular season becomes Finals Footy, especially with the Crusaders (2nd) are currently back to their former glory who were also too good for Fijian Drua (11th) earlier today while Blues hold out Hurricanes by 19-18.

Message sent to the British & Irish Lions

For now, happy to see some much needed quality being injected across our four Australian Super Rugby teams, as hopefully this can help us field at least two teams play in the semis & one fighting for the championship with the Grand Final.

So yes, Jordan King, watch out for our Wallabies by the time they take on the British & Irish Lions this July-August.

He’s the one I’ve spoken to recently about Formula 1 particularly with Jack Doohan and is currently part of his Alpine F1 squad as a development driver, even though he was Franco Colapinto’s driving coach a few years ago & Franco is also the reserve driver there. But all we want from Jack now is to be at his best when it comes to his race form tomorrow and as Jordan said, wait and see with surprises for sure.

No matter what people say, he can bounce back from out of nothing by turning into something as seen with a largely repaired A525 today.

Top 3 players pick

No Dylan Pietsch? No problem. There’s a Sydneysider via the students (Sydney Uni) in George Poolman tearing up the Highlanders like a wrecking ball all afternoon and early evening based on his tremendous finishing abilities with pace and his talents are there to see thanks to some brilliant team-work in the last third.

Same goes to Force’s main 15 Mac Grealy who knows his street smarts as if he’s the fastest man out there through peak traffic every time they were able to find those sweet spots right in front of their doorstep.

Hats off to Simon Cron whose running rugby is a Western Force they can be reckoned with as they are flying high right now in 4th out of 11th at the halfway mark.

And credit to Timoci Tavatavanawai btw with his mix and match top speed & defensive performances on the Highlanders inside 12 off the back of a brilliant start but it’s a shame they were being erratic in all areas for the most part – you cannot win games like that, period.

April 5, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

2025 Super Rugby Week 7 of 16: Queensland Reds v Western Force: Reds come out strong as the survivors over Force once again through the wet Suncorp Stadium pitch

by Sports Benches March 29, 2025

It was a game of competitive two-halves rugby that was held under wet weather between the Queensland Reds and Western Force tonight at Suncorp Stadium as we are nearly halfway (Week 7 of 16). Reds got themselves going before some ill-discipline and poor line-outs have marked a huge setback while Force played the Reds with Fire of the gold & black jersey so they can make every chance count that can keep their Top 6 Finals hopes alive.

There can be only be one winner having levelled 21-21 at half-time and in the end, it’s the mighty Queensland Reds who took home yet another win like it was a few weeks ago in their last own match on the Force’s own ground at HBF Park, 28-24.

From elsewhere

Here’s what you need to know prior to this game tonight:

Gotta feel for the Waratahs especially Max Jorgensen who picked up an unfortunate injury during their big loss to the Hurricanes early last night to begin Week 7’s matches at Wellington’s Sky Stadium by 57-12.
ACT Brumbies broke the Highlanders’ hearts that late to sign off their strong home ground front at GIO Stadium also last night in Canberra, 34-27.
Crusaders got battered & bruised this weekend in Christchurch thanks to Moana Pasifika who are back in business with a long way to go (from last spot to now 9th), 29-45.
And there’s only four games out of five since the Chiefs and Blues (both last year’s grand finalists) are having the week-long off the field.

Top 3 players

Filipo Daugunu belongs to the heart of Ballymore having made up some magic attacking metres while he was superb at locking up in defense – no wonder his goalkeeping & striking background from soccer helped him struck a good balance right at the middle of the Reds’ outside 13.

So does fellow Red Tate McDermott as the reverse 9 where his supercharged influences created shockwaves at the Force’s own doormat, especially in the last 10 mins thanks to his late TRY & that enough to get over the line in the end.

All in all, yes, there were some mistakes like poor line-outs and ill-discipline but hey, Queenslanders never back down!

And you can’t go past the Western Force’s own running rugby with Darcy Swain’s top-class input all on the second row 5 from line-out intercepts to building pressure both attack and defence which proved to be a huge difference so far.

Yes, unlucky there from Force who had the better ball than the Reds – they just struggled have the last say in the end.

March 29, 2025 0 comment