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Will Jordan

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All Blacks two-week tour of England and Ireland 2024 Review: They are still on song over both of the North’s best teams lately

by Sports Benches

Yes, going to Europe this year for the All Blacks may not be without any challenges, with unfinished business ahead in this Spring Tour. But so far, so good though with not one but two wins off the trot. 

One was a close win last weekend v England (22-24) at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium’s when the home reserve 23 couldn’t get it converted via the post that hit the bar, and now the ABs notched a huge win over Ireland (13-23) earlier this morning – both on their respective opposition teams’ home fortresses. 

At one point, the lead did belong to the English and later the Irish thanks to their own good headstarts ahead of the ABs, particularly earlier in the 2nd half that sent a strong message to the ABs that their good times may well be over by the North.

But at the end of the day, we all want to see a stunning contest of rugby and yet they’ve delivered both times with a phenomenal fightback, and they’re not done yet with their fight back towards being the world’s best ranked rugby team. 

They have France to play for next weekend in Paris – which isn’t going to be an easy run much like their recent games – before the ABs will finish their year in in two weeks from now at a different Allianz Stadium this time v Italy in Torino – who currently hosts the home games for Serie A side Juventus FC in Soccer/Football.

There’s no need for an introduction there in none other than outstanding All Blacks and Crusaders full-back Will Jordan, who never disappoints while he keeps on scoring a TRY or two per game. Every time someone is looking out for numbers, he puts his hand, always knows what to do it & answers this with perfection – simply a world-class player both physically and mentally. He could even dominate in any other contest Will wishes to play as well.

The next best consistent ABs star is Wallace Sititi on the blindside 6 from the Chiefs & gotta say he’s been delivering the goods that coach Scott Robertson is putting faith in him so far. Not only he’s  sound in defense, he’s also paramount when it comes to these offloads & through tackle busts – especially via the counter-which suits his game so perfectly. Again, he’s a superstar in the making now in Europe off the back of his break in 2024.

He and Will have been ticking off winning games as of late based on their consistency, the work isn’t done yet for the ABs to be on top of the world once again. 

Meanwhile, the best Irish player on show belongs to Bundee Aki on the inside midfield pack at No.12 – he’s also originally from NZ too just like a bunch of other adopted Internationals. He did a brilliant job covering & clearing up in defense in the way he offers through all areas in attack as if he’s thrown into an arm wrestling contest with loads of experience. It’s just a shame that his team fell off the rails later on like being a touch isolated while being scrappy with the ball.

And the one English player the Wallabies need to watch out for is Marcus Smith at 10. He’s the one who usually loves to convert kicks inside the posts in any kind from penalty goals, conversion goals off tries & even drop goals – he should’ve been kept through the end anyway. Is there more he can do? Yes, he’s also quick on the counter like that intercept TRY last weekend and as long he continues to find support, then he will no doubt guide England home like it was before.

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Rugby News Australia, All Blacks finish off the 2024 Bledisloe Cup Series on a real high v Wallabies by 20 at Sky Stadium in Wellington

by Sports Benches

Well, the All Blacks had something to finish off their home 2024 campaign on a high after they were simply too good v Wallabies. Yes, the first half was tight with the Wallabies up first thanks to Fraser McReight while the ABs managed to fill up the first half at the right time going into the break by five points (19-13). But at the end of the day, the ABs extended their lead with more and more tries where the Wallabies unable to catch them up as the clock ticks down unlike Game 1 last weekend in Homebush (Accor Stadium). 

Even though the Rugby Championship trophy may no longer be within reach with the Springboks or Los Pumas likely favourites to take home later tonight over in South Africa, a win will do it for the ABs to settle fair & square by 20 points (33-13) as all eyes on the South now to take on the North’s best when the Autumn Nations Series begins this November in Europe.

This is the man the All Blacks wanted to see someone pounce all day & it’s Will Jordan from the back at 15. It’s been a while when he couldn’t play for the Crusaders earlier this year due to a pre-existing shoulder surgery. But what we know best about Will is that he has the outstanding pace to lead out all in one go as if he got the chance to drive that fast military tank & he too got the best out of his wide players on what has been a masterclass display tonight.

Then we will move onto someone currently earning his stripes in the All Blacks Way & he’s young too thanks to Wallace Sititi on the blindside 6. He’s had a huge 2024 from guiding the Chiefs to a Grand Final on this same Wellington ground to All Blacks selection and yet Wallace didn’t put a foot wrong every time he runs and smashes hard with the ball as well as his solid defense. Don’t forget he has a brilliant rugby IQ as seen particularly in the second half – more to come in 2025.

All in all, congrats to the ABs with a 2-0 series clean sweep thanks to their comfy Game 2 win by 20 points (33-13). Yes, they still need to improve their breakdowns while retaining ball retention. But other than that, they’re still winning as long as they still have the Bledisloe Cup trophy.

And journeyman Taniela Tupou didn’t back down as one of the two Wallabies main front rowers at tighthead 3. Yes, he may felt such pain on his knee not long after the game was underway but he still kept going to do some damage on the ABs alongside his solid defense off the back of the Wallabies’ fast start. Anyone would love to have the Tongan Thor all day as we’ve seen that before earlier this year with the Rebels, a few years ago at the Reds & now he’s Waratahs-bound next year under Dan McKellar. For now, it would’ve been better if the Wallabies had more ball to score more tries rather than letting the ABs have it if that helps with little to no fight towards the end there.

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All Blacks too good tonight in Game 2 of the 2022 Bledisloe Cup that extends another year of the Wallabies’ losing hoodoo for the 36th straight time at Eden Park

by Admin

By Daniel Cullinane

Twitter: @dcullinane02

It was a feisty build-up to this second test between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park. All the talk had been about the controversial decision for time-wasting that ended the Wallabies chances of winning the Bledisloe cup in the first test. The reckless action of lock Darcy Swain, and the claims that the Wallabies had disrespected the haka. The potential for a heated contest was high.

Australia got the game under way and quickly put pressure on New Zealand with a break by Jed Holloway, who charged into the All Blacks 22. He quickly undid his good work by dumping Dalton Papali’i at the ruck. He was yellow-carded, and so began the rollercoaster of indiscipline that appears to be blighting the Australian game.

New Zealand on the other hand, were lifting their game and showing early dominance. A strong scrum saw All Black number 8 Ardie Savea break. The ball went wide to Beauden Barrett, who turned on the after burners and then chipped, to pile the pressure on the Wallabies. The All Blacks were awarded a 5 metre scrum but Savea was unable to control the ball at the base. Australia cleared their lines.

Then a moment of magic from Wallaby wing, Marika Koroibete. A break down the midfield followed by a chip, catch, and grubber to put huge pressure on the New Zealanders in their own 22. Again, the Wallabies infringed, leading to a kickable penalty for Richie Mo’unga. 3-0 to the All Blacks. Wing; Will Jordan soon built on the score with a fine break and subsequent try. Mo’unga made it 10-0.

Australia was creaking badly and the pressure was clearly affecting their thinking. Tom Wright confirmed this by taking a quick tap penalty from an eminently kickable position and an almost guaranteed 3 points. Another penalty by Wallaby skipper James Slipper led to a New Zealand lineout in the Aussie 22. Afterwards, a powerful maul forced a penalty try and yet another yellow card for Australia. David Porecki left the field for 10 minutes. Half time arrived and the score was 17-0; New Zealand were flying.

In the second half, the All Blacks carried on where they had left off. Within 2 minutes, they scored through captain Sam Whitelock. Mo’unga converted to make the score 24-0. The All Blacks had by now recognised that the Wallabies couldn’t live with them in the set piece. Again, they went to the lineout. Again they formed a driving maul and powered over the Aussie line. This time it was Codie Taylor on the scoresheet. The conversion was missed. 32-0 to the All Blacks.

At last the Australians fired a shot when Nick Frost charged down a New Zealand kick in their 22. Pete Samu collected the ball and surged forwards. Support came from replacement hooker Folau Fainga’a, who charged over the line. Bernard Foley kicked the conversion; Points on the boards. 32-7.

The All Blacks responded almost immediately with another pushover try from the lineout. Samisoni Taukei’aho the scorer.

In the 76th minute, Richie Mo’unga had another shot at goal to make it 40-7. The Aussies would have the final word in a very one-sided game when a determined Jordan Petaia forced his way over. The try was converted. The final score 40-14 to New Zealand. It was a dominant display from the men in black. Probably their best performance in the tournament.

The All Blacks were sharp, their set piece was outstanding, and they were clinical when they needed to be. Australia has some big issues to deal with. Their discipline has been woeful since their test series defeat to England back in July. They have spent large parts of the Rugby Championship playing with less than fifteen men on the field. Going forward, the lack of leadership is clearly a problem they must address if they are to be successful.

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Jordie Barrett’s last minute TRY for the All Blacks has all but ended the Wallabies’ bid to take home the Bledisloe Cup series for the 20th year in Game 1 of 2 at Marvel Stadium

by Admin

By Daniel Cullinane

Twitter: @dcullinane02

Even after the defeat by the Springboks in the last round of the Rugby Championship, the Wallabies would go into this match with quiet confidence. With home advantage against an All Blacks team who have looked shaky in this competition and beyond, they would have felt that they could get on top of their old rivals.

New Zealand would be in a better place after a resounding win against the Pumas, but there is still a sense that they are unsure of themselves. The Wallabies would seek to test the All Blacks alleged fragile state. The Wallabies set the tone for the game by advancing on the All Blacks during the Haka, signalling that they were really up for this one. However, as the game got under way it was the New Zealanders who took the initiative.

After just 3 minutes, All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho powered over the Wallabies try line to open the scoring. Following a successful conversion from fly half Richie Mo’unga the score was 0-7. The men in blacks dominance continued and was rewarded with another 3 points from the boot of Mo’unga. They were building nicely. The Wallabies were yet to turn up.

After 17 minutes, some good work by the Australians from a lineout lead to a kickable penalty. Veteran Aussie fly half, Bernard Foley who was exemplary all evening opened his account with three points. Some slick handling saw Wallaby full back Andrew Kellaway score in the corner. But on closer inspection it was clear that he had been unable to ground the ball.

The Australian team were growing in confidence and starting to impose themselves on the All Blacks. They kicked to the corner after being awarded a penalty at the scrum. There was a short drive from the ensuing lineout and then a pick and go to score by Aussie No8 Rob Valetini. Foley made it 10-10.

With an All Black going to the bin, the momentum was firmly with the Australians. Marika Koroibete charged up the field and smashed into New Zealand wing Caleb Clarke. The Wallaby forwards then dismantled the All Blacks at the resulting scrum. Although the scoreboard didn’t reflect it, Australia were on top. But then, everything changed. The Aussies hit self destruct. A superb and powerful break by Clarke ended with a pile-up near the Australian try line. Indiscipline meant that Tom Wright and Darcy Swain were sent to the bin. The tables turned almost instantly, with the All Blacks being held up over the line. Half time came, the score 10 all.

The men in Black had clearly been told to take advantage of the 13-man Australia, and did so in spectacular fashion. A testing kick in behind and then some rapid passing saw Samisoni Taukei’aho score his second try of the match. Soon the Wallabies were back to a full compliment and picked up another kickable penalty. Foley rarely misses, making the score 13-17.

More indiscipline led to Wallaby scrum half Jake Gordon going to the bin. New Zealand soon took advantage with Richie Mo’unga dissecting the Aussie backline to touch down near the posts. He converted his own try, making the score 13-24 to New Zealand.

Beauden Barrett then reminded everyone what a world-class player he is with a superbly weighted chip over the gold defence that was collected by wing Will Jordan, who raced away to score. The All Blacks were in cruise control. Australia then fired a shot of their own down the other end with Andrew Kellaway running on to a flat pass from Foley to grab a much needed score. Foley converted. Minutes later, Kellaway was at it again. Some long passes stretch the New Zealand defence allowing the full-back to score in the corner. 27-31 to Australia.

New Zealand then extended their lead through a Mo’unga penalty, but Australia weren’t finished yet. A brilliant one-two between Koroibete and Pete Samu saw the back row forward score. Foley then drew the teams level at 34 all. A remarkable comeback by Australia.

When Australia were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, the replacement scrum-half Nic White stepped up and kicked the points for Australia to take them into the lead. As expected, the All Blacks fought back but then gave away a penalty 2 metres from the Aussie try line. Then a moment of controversy saw referee Mathieu Raynal award a scrum to New Zealand for Bernhard Foley allegedly time wasting.

The All Blacks saw their chance. They won the ball, and then moved it wide, allowing Jordie Barrett to score in the corner in the 80th minute. The kick was missed, but it didn’t matter. The men in black had done enough to win the match and retain the Bledisloe cup. Australia will say they were on the wrong end of a refereeing decision, and that cost them the game. Their discipline needs to be fixed before the return fixture. Final score 37-39. Great game.

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Rugby News Australia, Crusaders held off comfortably in the best of Trans-Tasman Super Rugby teams clash against Brumbies at GIO Stadium

by Sports Benches

It’s the best of the best Super Rugby teams across both countries match-up between the Crusaders & Brumbies here at GIO Stadium in Canberra. Brumbies may have opened the account early but the Crusaders held them comfortably throughout the first half, 5-23. Now the home side’s strength with the fire offs helped them rebound later on, but the Brumbies just left it too late as the Crusaders continued to stay ahead with the win at 26-37.

Brumbies fired off well with the early lead but then they struggled to stay ahead, when the failure to clear out via the kicking threw so much pressure to their defensive half. Although, they began to bounce back later with three tries scored in the 2nd half. However, they were well behind by that stage while the Crusaders extend their winning margin before it’s too late. It would’ve been a super close contest if Noah Lolesio and Rob Valetini weren’t injured, where the Brumbies functioned at times without them. But unfortunately, their winning run came to an end as they will need to focus on their weaknesses, before preparing for next week’s round v Blues from Auckland on Saturday night at home.

And Crusaders are outstanding as always where they just completed their three-week Australian tour on a high note v the current top-ranked Australian Super Rugby team here. They’re good at bouncing back, as well as spotting the Brumbies’ lack of kicking clearance in the first half. They took their time wisely with the ball before they simply run the Brumbies defensive blocks ragged with a mix of pace & gaps spotted down low that led to a comfortable half-time lead, followed by an easy 2nd-half spell with the win. They’re now set for a fantastic end to the regular campaign at home in Christchurch with the Drua next Friday and the Reds in two weeks time; they’re also relying on the other results that will go their way as well before Playoffs time.

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Rugby News, Top 3 players from the Western Force v Crusaders Game in Week 12 of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific

by Sports Benches

Leicester Fainga’anuku is such a wonderful standout player tonight for the Crusaders on the left wing with a hat-trick of tries from the first-half. He struck a fantastic balance between pace & physicality where he can track back and forth that is being defensively, as well as finish off the attack. And it came at the right time when the Crusaders were patient with the ball off the back of the Western Force’s lack of support numbers, before his team called him up & bit back the Force that made them pay the price in return.

Another standout Crusader player to look at is Will Jordan in the No.15 shirt at full-back where he dominated the 2nd half with a hat-track of his own, just like team-mate Fainga’anuku from the other 40 minute spell. These two players both young and talented in their early 20s; they also share the same height, physicality and pace. All Jordan does is track back and protect his men defensively where he was tested with the tackling & read, before he knows what to do with the ball and that word is to dominate where he was just too good.

Both players are just sensational to watch
where any opposing team will have a tough time dealing with Jordan and Fainga’anuku at their defensive territory, based on the lack of support numbers/communication before it’s ripped into shreds.

And Tim Anstee put his best tonight throughout the full 80 for his Western Force team at No.8. He provides so much physicality, talk-up and tall reach when smashing his way through the Crusaders defensive blocks with the ball on hand. He also provides that athletic ability when running back and forth where Anstee made a name for himself back in the 7s days. Although, his contribution benefitted with a number of winning penalties and advantages. But his team’s poor communication & execution in the attack let him down, where the Force had to pay the price for their defensive damages at the hands of the Crusaders in the end.

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Rugby News Australia, Crusaders just too good v Western Force in a 15-53 win at HBF Park in Perth

by Sports Benches

Western Force welcomed the Crusaders at HBF Park in Perth earlier tonight in Round 12 of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific. The home side briefly snatched the lead earlier on, before the Crusaders dominated the first-half at 8-18. They tried to catch up with another TRY from Fergus Lee-Warner not long after half-time, but the Saders are just too good with a 15-53 win.

It’s been a tough night in the office from the Western Force after a huge defeat on home soil v the Crusaders. They weren’t bad in the first half when the Force briefly snatched lead for a while at one point, thanks to Kyle Godwin’s cross-kick where Jake Strachan ran the ball in time for their opening TRY. Although, they’ve benefitted from a couple of winning penalties/advantages along the way. However, their lack of support & communication in the attack couldn’t keep the standard that the Crusaders set up tonight, which is too much to catch up where their defense was heavily exposed. They have a long trip now to Dunedin in New Zealand ahead of the Week 13 opener on Friday night v Highlanders.

And congratulations to the Crusaders on an easy win away from home after a shock defeat last week in Sydney v NSW Waratahs. Now they still need to work on some ill-discipline where they lost some penalties on a couple of occasions. They will need to be on their best if they want to beat the best Australian Super Rugby team next Friday night v ACT Brumbies in Canberra. But they’re just simply outstanding where the Crusaders took advantage of the Force’s lack of finishing opportunities, before they cashed in with plenty of hat-trick tries from Leicester Fainga’anuku & Will Jordan.

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2022 Super Rugby Pacific Preview

by Admin

2022 is a big shakeup for super rugby. The competition includes three new teams and is now exclusive to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Despite the changes, this season should still be incredibly exciting.

Australian Teams

The closest thing we have had to super rugby over the last three years was the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman series last year. It was a series in which the Australian teams struggled massively, only winning two games against the five New Zealand teams in the competition.

It looks likely to be another year where Aussie teams will struggle. The Brumbies once again look to be the pick of the Australian teams despite the Reds winning their first domestic title in Super Rugby Australia last season. The Queensland Reds will be looking to compete thanks to a variety of international players like Taniela Tupou and Tate McDermott.

The Waratahs, Force and Rebels will all be looking for spots in the knockout stages, but it will not be easy. The Waratahs do see captain Michael Hooper return for 2022, but they still look to be towards the bottom end of the table. Both the Force and Rebels have lost a lot of test experience over the last year and it will sadly hurt them this season.

New Zealand Teams

After dominating the Trans-Tasman series last year, it looks to be another Super Rugby season dominated by Kiwi teams.

Favourites for their fourth title, the Crusaders have a wealth of international talent led by two time reigning player of the year Richie Mo’unga. Their talent also includes Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, George Bridge as well as recent addition Pablo Matera. They may have some competition for their fourth title in a row.

The Blues are welcoming back Beauden Barrett, while still having internationals like Rieko Ioane, Nepo Laulala and Dalton Papalii. They come into 2022 off the back of winning the Trans-Tasman series. The Chiefs could be a surprise this season despite the losses of Damain Mckenzie and Lachlan Boshier. The Chiefs have one of the most talented set of forwards in Super Rugby which could dominate any team on any day.

The Highlanders and Hurricanes both have a huge amount of talent on the squads. But the Highlanders will struggle having lost a third of their starting XV from the Trans-Tasman final. They have a brilliant leader in Aaron Smith, but will struggle to progress in the tournament. Similar situation for the Hurricanes with some major losses coming into the season. But the Hurricanes add Dom Bird and TJ Perenara and could surprise a few people this season.

Two New Pacific Teams

This season features two new teams, both based in the Pacific Islands. After many years of lobbying, the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika will join Super Rugby. Starting with the Fijian Drua. They have had a difficult preparation for Super Rugby due to COVID issues, meaning the squad is based on the NSW North Coast as they could not prepare in Fiji. It looks like the team will need some time to adapt to Super Rugby’s intensity. Their squad contains Olympic champions Napolioni Bolaca, Kalione Nasoko and Meli Derenalagi. Don’t be surprised if Fijian Drua make a push for the knockout stages this season.

The second new team is Moana Pasifika, made up of players from New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga and Australia, including 18 former or current internationals. Much like Fijian Drua, it will be a season of getting used to Super Rugby for Moana Pasifika. 110 capped Australian Sekope Kepu is captain for the 2022 season, bringing a huge amount of experience to the new team. Moana Pasifika will be very exciting in the upcoming season, but don’t expect them to be near the top of the table come the end of the season.

The Loss of South African Teams

The reshaped 2022 Super Rugby does not include any South African teams, after their Super Rugby licenses expired after the 2020 season. It does seem odd going into a Super Rugby season without the Bulls, Sharks, Lions or Stormers. Their exclusion opens the floor up a lot for either the New Zealand teams to take over or opportunities for the new teams or the Australian teams to step up.

Super Rugby is going to look very different this season. Losing the South African teams is big for the competition. Despite not competing with them domestically, South Africa is still playing against New Zealand, Argentina and Australia in the Rugby Championship. It does show some disjointed thinking when it comes to Super Rugby’s thinking. But the 2022 changes bring plenty of opportunities for Pacific Island teams who have been trying to get into Super Rugby for years.

Predictions

In this new look Super Rugby, it looks as if it will be a few years until the new teams or the Australian teams can compete with the talent of the New Zealand teams. 2022 looks to be a similar story.

Working from the bottom up, I think the four teams that are likely to miss out on the knockout stages are most likely to be the Rebels, Force, Waratahs and Moana Pasifika. These teams just don’t have the talent to move any higher. In terms of the teams to get stuck at the quarterfinals, I could easily see these teams being the Hurricanes, Highlanders, Fijian Drua and the Brumbies. The Brumbies could be the surprise package this year, with the talent their squad possesses.

But this season will be dominated by the New Zealand teams. The Reds will be the exception to this, looking likely to at least reach the semi-finals. In an emotional season, the Chiefs will also be targeting a semi-final push, but it may be slightly too difficult for them to get past either of the two teams left.

These two aren’t exactly surprising to anyone who has followed Super Rugby over the last five years. The Blues welcome back Beauden Barrett after his time in Japan, the team has talent in all areas. But the Blues don’t quite have the two time reigning Super Rugby Player of the year.

I think at the end of the season, the Crusaders will lift their fourth title in a row. A team with Richie Mo’unga, Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Sam Whitelock and Joe Moody is too much talent for any team to compete with when you reach the knockouts. The Crusaders will win their fourth title in a row.

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