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Sweet and sour night for Brumbies

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 09 Maret 2013 | 18.48

ACL concerns ... Star Brumbies and Wallabies flanker David Pocock is helped from the field. Source: LUKAS COCH / AAP

A possible season-ending knee injury to champion Wallabies flanker David Pocock took some of the gloss off the Brumbies' clinical 35-6 drubbing of old foes the NSW Waratahs on Saturday night.

4

Tries

0

Ben Mowen 25'
Christian Lealiifano 33'
Henry Speight 72'
Robbie Coleman 78'

3

Conversions

0

Christian Lealiifano 34'
Christian Lealiifano 74'
Ian Prior 80'

3

Penalties

2

Christian Lealiifano 3' Brendan McKibbin 15'
Christian Lealiifano 7' Brendan McKibbin 40'
Christian Lealiifano 10'

Returning Wallabies great George Smith was called from the bench sooner than expected to make his comeback for the Brumbies when Pocock went down in the 13th minute and was assisted from the Canberra Stadium field.

If scans confirm the suspected ACL tear to Pocock's left knee, he will likely be ruled out for at least six months, missing the high-profile three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions, The Rugby Championship and the rest of the Super Rugby season.

Australia Conference W L D PD BP Pts
1 Brumbies 3 0 0 64 2 18
2 Reds 3 1 0 6 0 12
3 Waratahs 1 2 0 -32 0 8
4 Melbourne Rebels 1 3 0 -25 1 5
5 Western Force 0 3 0 -29 1 5
New Zealand Conference W L D PD BP Pts
1 Chiefs 2 0 0 56 2 10
2 Blues 2 0 0 33 2 10
3 Crusaders 0 2 0 -20 2 6
4 Hurricanes 1 2 0 -19 1 5
5 Highlanders 0 2 0 -31 0 4
South Africa Conference W L D PD BP Pts
1 Bulls 2 0 0 18 1 9
2 Sharks 2 0 0 13 0 8
3 Southern Kings 1 0 0 12 0 8
4 Cheetahs 1 2 0 -32 1 5
5 Stormers 0 2 0 -14 1 1

Flying fullback Jesse Mogg was the standout for the home side as he continued to put himself in the frame for a Wallabies debut.

Christian Lealiifano got the home team off to a great start, nailing three penalty shots within the first 10 minutes in front of a crowd of 20,027.

Captain Ben Mowen was then personally rewarded with a try in the 25th minute after opting for a five-metre lineout instead of taking the three points from a penalty.

Lealiifano showed why many consider him also to be a Wallaby-in-waiting, pouncing on a Mogg grubber in the 34th minute to score in the corner and put the Brumbies in a comfortable position going into the break.


Re-live the action from the Brumbies' emphatic triumph over the Waratahs in our Super Rugby Match Centre, featuring video highlights.


The Waratahs looked more promising early in the second half but failed to capitalise on numerous opportunities, before Brumbies winger Henry Speight crossed to put any hopes of a comeback to bed.

Mogg then set up replacement Robbie Coleman for a length of the field five-pointer in what will be a contender for try of the year and delivered the Brumbies a four try bonus point win.

It was the Brumbies' first four-try bonus point against the Waratahs since 2007.


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Roar, Victory in pulsating draw

Equaliser ... Ivan Franjic beats Nathan Coe to score. Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

Brisbane Roar continued to thwart Melbourne Victory and their former coach Ange Postecoglou with a 1-1 draw in an enthralling A-League encounter at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

While the defending champions were far more welcoming of their old mentor than back in round two, Postecoglou endured a frustrating second return to Brisbane as the Victory failed to end a seven-match winless run against the Roar.

Diminutive midfielder Leigh Broxham scored the first headed goal of his career, and the visitors could well have led 3-0 at halftime, but the home side finished the stronger on a patchy surface.

After a month of rain and a series of rugby union and league matches, the pitch failed to deliver the even surface the Roar are used to at home.

But it did not prevent two quality goals and an entertaining contest in which Brisbane had a 12,624-strong crowd expecting a late winner as Ben Halloran made a huge impact off the bench.

The draw left third-placed Melbourne five points behind second-placed Central Coast on the A-League table while Brisbane are out of the six, but just one point from fifth.

Melbourne had lost in their past four visits to Brisbane, including the 5-0 rout in round two when anti-Postecoglou signs and chants were the order of the day.

Despite an enterprising opening 25 minutes by the home side, Melbourne looked in control and set for the three points at 1-0 approaching the hour mark.

But a superb pass by classy midfielder Luke Brattan put Ivan Franjic in the clear down the right sideline and the winger finished brilliantly by blazing past goalkeeper Nathan Coe.


Re-live the end-to-end action from Brisbane Roar's draw with Melbourne Victory in our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights.


Counterpart Michael Theo had until then kept the Roar in the match with some desperate reflex saves, stopping close-range efforts by Daniel Mullen and Archie Thompson.

Theo had no way of preventing a stunning opening goal by Broxham, against the run of play in the 11th minute.

Thompson had perfectly timed and weighted a lofted cross in the box for the 169cm Broxham who leapt high onto the back of Franjic, Australian Rules style, and headed over Theo.

The Roar, with captain Thomas Broich taking a far more direct approach on goal, continued to outflank Melbourne for most of the first half but the Victory's defence was up to each foray.


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Lions beat Magpies to reach Cup final

High flying ... Magpies defender Jack Frost climbs over the pack. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Brisbane will have to travel for the AFL pre-season final against Carlton, despite the Lions being the only unbeaten team.

Brisbane beat Collingwood by 34 points on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium and will play the Blues next Friday night at the same venue.

0.2.4 (16) Q1 0.2.3 (15)
0.4.8 (32) Q2 0.4.7 (31)
0.6.10 (46) Q3 0.9.12 (66)
0.7.12 (54) Q4 0.12.16 (88)

Dayne Beams

2

Rohan Bewick

4

Quinten Lynch

2

Aaron Cornelius

3

Tyson Goldsack

1

Jonathan Brown

1

Ben Kennedy

1

Joshua Green

1

Caolan Mooney

1

Pearce Hanley

1

Stefan Martin

1

Daniel Rich

1

"Etihad Stadium was chosen as the location for the grand final as the Gabba was not available to the AFL as Brisbane's home ground, due to cricket commitments,'' the league said in a statement.

"The largest possible crowd would be drawn at Etihad Stadium ahead of any potential game at Metricon Stadium (on the Gold Coast).''

Trailing by a point at halftime, the Lions kicked clear at the start of the third and fourth quarters at the same ground and won 12.16 (88) to 7.12 (54).

Brisbane and Collingwood were unbeaten going into this match with the winner guaranteed of going into the final against the Blues.

Midfielder Daniel Rich starred for the Lions with 26 disposals and Rohan Bewick kicked four goals in front of only 12,093 fans.

Dayne Beams was Collingwood's standout with 23 possessions in the midfield.

The Blues' superior percentage meant they secured the other final berth, despite losing to Adelaide on Friday night by three points.

Brisbane welcomed back captain Jonathan Brown, Rich and Daniel Merrett for this match and were much closer to full strength.

The Magpies were missing several key players, including Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan and Travis Cloke.

Brisbane took control immediately after halftime, kicking three goals in the first seven minutes of the third quarter.

They then kicked the opening two goals of the final term to ensure the win.

In his first game for the year, Brown hit his shoulder hard against a point post late in the third term.

Typical of arguably the game's hardest player, Brown shrugged off the blow as the post wobbled for several seconds.

Brown has suffered several heavy blows to the head, but they have not dented his ferocious playing style.

Collingwood made full use of the unrestricted interchange with 168 rotations - more than double the league's controversial trial cap of 80 per game.

This was one of three Victorian games on Saturday where the AFL abandoned the interchange trial because of the hot conditions and Brisbane had 143 rotations.


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Swans win, Johnson needs knee reco

Adam Goodes ... chases the ball during Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns AFL trial. Source: Damian Shaw / News Limited

Sydney defeated Gold Coast by 36 points for the first win of their AFL pre-season campaign on Saturday night, but the result was soured by news young defender Alex Johnson is likely to need a knee reconstruction.

0.1.2 (8) Q1 0.0.1 (1)
0.7.8 (50) Q2 0.1.1 (7)
0.9.12 (66) Q3 0.3.6 (24)
0.11.14 (80) Q4 0.6.8 (44)

Adam Goodes

2

Harley Bennell

2

Josh P. Kennedy

2

Campbell Brown

2

Nick Malceski

2

Jared Brennan

1

Luke Parker

2

Brandon Matera

1

Jude Bolton

1

Kieren Jack

1

Ben McGlynn

1

The Suns rallied in the final quarter, but six consecutive goals in the second term meant the reigning premiers eased to a 11.14 (80) to 6.8 (44) win at Blacktown Oval in Sydney.

Any positives from the game were overshadowed by Johnson's suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, with the 21-year-old stretchered off after going to ground in the 12th minute of the opening term.

Johnson, a regular member of the Swans' back six during their successful 2012 campaign, was reeling in pain and unable to get to his feet.

He emerged shortly after halftime in good spirits, limping up a set of stairs and laughing with teammates in the stands, but scans are expected to confirm his season is over.

The Swans can ill-afford to lose Johnson, given fellow rebounding backmen Marty Mattner (hip) and Nick Smith (knee) are yet to return and remain in some doubt for the start of the season proper on March 30.

With the exception of Johnson's injury and a tepid first quarter, in which the hosts kicked the only goal, there were positives aplenty for Sydney.


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Dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes returned from the serious knee injury he suffered in last year's grand final, while Josh Kennedy (22 contested possessions, 12 clearances) and Jarrad McVeigh (35 disposals, eight clearances) were dominant in the engine room.

Goodes moved well and kicked two goals, playing two and a half quarters before he was substituted for Shane Mumford.

Rhyce Shaw (calf), Nick Malceski (calf) and Mumford (ankle) also survived their first games of the year.

Malceski, who snapped the sealer in his side's 10-point grand-final win over Hawthorn last year, kicked two stellar goals in the second term as the Swans seized control of the contest.

Jaeger O'Meara, who was unable to make his AFL debut last year due to the league's age restrictions but has already been nominated as a future captain of the Suns by skipper Gary Ablett, was the standout in a losing side.

Harley Bennell and O'Meara both tallied 24 possessions for Gold Coast, but the visitors struggled to generate meaningful entries into their forward line. 


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Sea Eagles soar with Matai double

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 08 Maret 2013 | 18.48

Manly ... Steve Matai stars against Brisbane Broncos. Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

A double to Steve Matai see's Manly Sea Eagles beat Brisbane Broncos 22-14 at Suncorp Stadium in their NRL clash on Friday night.

The centre was brilliant as was halfback Daly Cherry-Evans in their first game of the 2013 season.

2

Tries

4

Matt Gillett 19' Steve Matai 27'
Lachlan Maranta 34' Daly Cherry-Evans 48'
Steve Matai 53'
David Williams 56'

2

Conversions

3

Scott Prince 20' Jamie Lyon 29'
Scott Prince 36' Jamie Lyon 50'
Jamie Lyon 54'

1

Penalties

0

Scott Prince 14'

It was a slow star for the visitors with the Broncos starting well.

Justin Hodges served up a superb pass in a tackle for Matt Gillett to score in the 19th minute after Scott Prince had knocked over a simple penalty several minutes earlier.

Gillett powered onto the pass and almost knocked Manly fullback Brett Stewart into the stands and he bolted across the tryline.

Manly centre Steve Matai cut the margin to 8-6, crossing wide out in the left corner after a sweeping shift instigated by halfback Daly Cherry-Evans.

Brisbane's next try was a classic, reviving memories of the club's glory days.

With members of the club's 1988 side including captain Wally Lewis in the stands, Brisbane turned on the razzle dazzle with Prince and finally Hodges producing perfect flick passes for winger Lachlan Maranta to score.
Prince kicked his third goal to give the home side a 14-6 lead at half-time.

A revitalised Sea Eagles appeared after the break, striking early courtesy of a solo try from Cherry-Evans.

The young half stepped past Peter Wallace and beat another three defenders to go across the line.

Trailing by two points, Matai ran 37 meters and despite a desperate effort from Prince he secured his second try of the evening.

18-14 and a handling error from Jack Reed, thanks to a heavy shot from Cherry-Evans had David Williams stroll over.


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Jobe stars as Bombers smash Giants

Star ... Jobe Watson showed plenty of pre-season form. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Essendon finished a tumultuous pre-season cup campaign in style, hammering Greater Western Sydney on Friday by 91 points in Canberra.

The Bombers were simply too good for the Giants, winning 1.16.14 (119) to 0.4.4 (28) and lifting their cup campaign to two wins from four matches.

0.1.1 (7) Q1 1.5.5 (44)
0.3.2 (20) Q2 1.9.7 (70)
0.4.3 (27) Q3 1.12.8 (89)
0.4.4 (28) Q4 1.16.14 (119)

Sam Frost

2

Patrick Ryder

3

Setanta O'hAilpin

1

Heath Hocking

2

Rhys Palmer

1

Jobe Watson

2

Mark Baguley

1

Tom Bellchambers

1

Alwyn Davey

1

Brendon Goddard

1

Michael Hibberd

1

Cale Hooker

1

Ben Howlett

1

Elliott Kavanagh

1

Jackson Merrett

1

David Myers

1

The win will be a big relief for coach James Hird, who earlier in the week said it would be unrealistic to think the doping allegations engulfing Cronulla in the NRL would have gone unnoticed by his players.

The result of the whitewash in front of a crowd of 8044 at Manuka Oval was never in doubt, with the Bombers racing to a 37-point lead at quarter-time and extending each break.

Utility Brendon Goddard had the visitors off to a flying start, scoring the only super goal of the match halfway through the first quarter.

The news only became worse for the Giants when Callan Ward, who was one of the best performers in last week's loss to Brisbane, was taken off after suffering a head knock.

Essendon's goals were shared across the board, Patrick Ryder leading the way with three.


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Goddard and Brett Stanton (26 possessions) were solid for Essendon, while Jobe Watson (31 possessions and two goals) would have also given Hird plenty to smile about.

Sam Frost was the standout on the other side of the ledger with two goals and Toby Greene was the busiest for the Giants with 21 possessions.

It's a disappointing end to the Giants' pre-season campaign, having won just one match out of four after losing to Carlton and Brisbane in the final minute of each match.

Both teams have failed to qualify for the NB Cup finals and will play yet-to-be-confirmed practice matches next weekend before the 2013 premiership begins on March 22.


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Reds secure tough win over Rebels

Too classy ... Cooper's Reds out-muscle brave Rebels. Source: Mark Dadswell / AAP

The Rebels suffered more heartbreak on Friday night as they blew a halftime lead for the third straight week to fall to the Reds 23-13 in their Super Rugby clash.

1

Tries

2

Lachlan Mitchell 40' Ben Tapuai 15'
Nick Frisby 41'

1

Conversions

2

James O'Connor 40' Quade Cooper 17'
Quade Cooper 43'

2

Penalties

3

James O'Connor 5' Quade Cooper 3'
James O'Connor 29' Quade Cooper 60'
Quade Cooper 79'

A late Reds surge secures a hard-fought victory over the Rebels, giving the Queensland outfit a perfect start to the season. Re-live all the action in our interactive Match Centre, featuring video highlights. 

Hard-running centre Lachlan Mitchell scored after the halftime siren to hand his side a 13-10 lead at the break but the Reds steamed back to secure their third successive victory and their fifth straight against the Rebels.

Melbourne's only win of the season was in round one against the Force when they trailed at halftime; they also lost when the Brumbies and NSW came from behind.

The Rebels' chance of a late fightback suffered a setback when a penalty kick, about to be taken by Wallabies star James O'Connor, was reversed by Argentine referee Francisco Pastrana on the advice of Television Match Official George Ayoub, who nabbed hooker Ged Robinson for over-vigorous rucking.

The Reds looked to have scored immediately down the other end through fullback Jono Lance, however he somehow failed to get the ball down.

Three missed penalty kicks by stand-in skipper O'Connor also proved crucial and put a dampener on his 50th Super Rugby appearance.

The Reds were quick to put the knife into the Rebels' second-half hopes with halfback Nick Frisby, in his first start in the No.9 jersey, scoring after some good lead-up work by centre Anthony Faingaa, in his first game this season after a hand injury.

Quade Cooper converted from the sideline and then a penalty kick at the 60-minute mark pushed the lead out to 20-10.

With a couple of breaks out wide and some fierce tackling, Rebels No.8 Scott Higginbotham did his best to rally the team in his first outing against his former side.

But the Rebels lost momentum following the Lance no-try.

But they delivered an impressive first half, with Mitchell's try well deserved.

Electing for another scrum five metres from the tryline rather than a penalty shot, the Rebels attacked the line before halfback Nick Phipps found the hard-working O'Connor.

He held the ball up long enough for Mitchell to run the perfect line, scooting between defenders to touch down.

Queensland's first-half try was scored by centre Ben Tapaui.

A penalty kick by Cooper with just over a minute remaining compounded the misery for the Rebels, who missed out on a bonus point for finishing within seven points.

Reds skipper James Slipper said he asked the referee to go to the TMO because he saw flying boots and the distressed reaction of his teammate Albert Anae.

He wasn't aware at the time that the TMO could recommend the penalty be reversed.

While that one went their way, director of coaching Ewen McKenzie was furious with the steady penalty count against his team, although the final total was 10-8.

"It's pretty hard to play when we were getting penalised in attack and defence,'' he said.

McKenzie said his side didn't try to get a bonus-point fourth try and focused on simply winning the game.

"At one stage, it was 10-2,'' he said of the penalties.

"We played maybe 20 phases at the end of the game in the attacking quarter and we still got penalised.''

Rebels captain O'Connor described the reversed penalty as a "game-changer'' but said his team needed to show better composure in the final 10 minutes.

"We've got to be good enough to move on,'' O'Connor said.

"Unfortunately we lost our way after that and they were attacking our line.

"They were pretty clinical and won the game.''

While bitterly disappointed to lose another match after leading at halftime, coach Damien Hill preferred to look at the positives.

"The second half was a really good tussle,'' Hill said.

"The effort for 30 minutes in that second half was outstanding.

"If we're going to take anything out of this, there was 70 minutes I was exceptionally proud of the boys and it shows we're getting closer.''


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Glory score late to steal points

Drama ... Michael Thwaite was Perth Glory's hero against Newcastle Jets. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Newcastle's A-League finals hopes seem in tatters after a late goal from Michael Thwaite gave lowly Perth a 2-1 win on Friday night at Hunter Stadium.

The Glory's new Argentine import Matias Cordoba put the visitors in front and teen striker Adam Taggart pulled one back for the Jets before Thwaite sealed victory in the 92nd minute.

The Jets remain in fifth place but have a congested bottom-half of the ladder breathing down their neck. Glory meanwhile climb to seventh.

Having already played their round-26 match against Wellington due to New Zealand's international commitment, time is fast running out for the Jets who only have two games remaining before the finals.

With a game away to fourth-placed Adelaide next weekend before facing rampant leaders Western Sydney, the encounter against the Glory was their best shot at picking up three points.

Desperate to make amends for their 5-0 thrashing by Melbourne Victory last weekend, the Jets came out firing with young gun Taggart, playing at the point of attack in place of injured marquee man Emile Heskey, forcing Perth 'keeper Daniel Vukovic into action just four minutes in.

But it was the Glory's newest recruit Cordoba who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when he managed to get on the end of a Chris Harold cross for his first A-League goal.

Socceroo tyro Taggart levelled just before the break, slotting home off a Marko Jesic through-ball.

Glory skipper Jacob Burns made his long-awaited return after a six-week injury layoff as a second-half substitute for Cordoba.

Swiss defender Dominik Ritter went within a whisker of putting the Jets in front in the 62nd minute, Vukovic doing well to save the effort.

The Glory gloveman produced yet another great save, stopping a strike from English attacker Michael Bridges with less than 20 minutes remaining.

Newcastle's Mark Birighitti made one of his few saves of the game moments later, defusing a dangerous header from the A-League's all-time leading scorer Shane Smeltz.

But it was Thwaite who sealed the win, pouncing on a goal-mouth scramble late in injury time to get his first goal of the season.


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Harris disgusted with Shield return

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 07 Maret 2013 | 18.48

Tough marker ... Harris was livid with his display despite on day one at the Gabba. Source: News Limited

National selectors will be impressed by Ryan Harris's first-class return at the Gabba on Thursday - until they hear the ex-Test quick's brutally honest self-assessment.

SHEF - Gabba

7 March 2013 - Day 1, Session 3

Tasmania 1st Innings

L. Butterwort... 14 42 2 0 33.33
E. Gulbis 2 11 0 0 18.18

Harris (3-77) was on a hat-trick as Tasmania lost 3-2 to be reeling at 5-90 before Jon Wells (82) helped steer the visitors to 8-236 at stumps on day one of their Sheffield Shield clash.

Queensland rued dropping Wells on seven - but Harris saved his biggest complaints for his display.

On paper, there didn't seem to be much to be upset about.

A gutsy Harris toiled away for 25 overs in his first taste of first-class action since Australia's tour of West Indies last April.

It capped a big week for the 33-year-old who took a match-winning 4-26 to help the Bulls seal a dramatic two-run win over Victoria in the final of the Ryobi Cup at the MCG.

But asked how he went on Thursday, Harris said: "Sh*thouse, to be honest.

"I got through 25 overs which is good but I am a long way away from where I want to be.

"Maybe five overs in my second spell I was happy with.

"I am just disappointed I didn't get enough balls in the right areas."

Harris is still keeping his fingers crossed to be in the frame for an Ashes call-up this year after recovering from shoulder surgery he underwent last August.

Wells also capped a comeback of sorts on Thursday.

Delisted by Tasmania almost 12 months ago, he forced his way back through sheer weight of runs.

Still, he arrived at the Gabba on Thursday with a less-than-impressive 16.74 first-class average.

However, Wells finally began to deliver on his undoubted potential with his third half-century, chiming in for an invaluable 97-run, sixth-wicket stand with Tim Paine (42) that stopped the Harris-inspired mini-collapse.

He was caught behind off James Hopes (2-57 off 22 overs) with just nine balls left for the day.

Harris celebrated his first Shield game of the season as Tasmania stumbled after emerging from lunch at 1-48.

He trapped Alex Doolan (21) in front and, next ball, had Australia Twenty20 captain George Bailey fending a ball to third slip.

And the Bulls were roaring when former national skipper Ricky Ponting - averaging more than 111 in Shield this season - inexplicably pulled Hopes straight to Joe Burns on 14.

After cruising at 0-47 before lunch, Tasmania were suddenly 5-90.


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I'll clarify the rules: Anderson

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Daniel Anderson ... vows to fix the refereeing grey areas. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

NRL referee's boss Daniel Anderson has vowed to fix the refereeing grey areas plaguing the game by offering clarity to rules and interpretations.

After a confusing and chaotic refereeing display in 2012, Anderson and Peter Sterling dissected several key areas to be rectified on Fox Sports' newest rugby League analysis show, Sterlo.

In the course of one of the most shambolic pre-season's in recent history, Anderson's bold prediction of "refereeing clarity" has taken a back seat among contract backflips, doping investigations and the Dally M Medallist being stood down.

A question on every New South Welshmens' lips: will there be any more bungles like the infamous Greg Inglis Origin try when it comes to grounding the ball?

"Separation is not an indicator for tries; if you lose possession … you must regain possession before you put the ball down," Anderson said.

"Super slow-mo cameras show things that are not really indicative of what's happening, in those instances we'll take normal vision and make our decisions from that."

Anderson has acted swiftly; sneaking under the radar and rallying the Australian Rugby League Commission to remove the "benefit of the doubt" call and ban the shoulder charge, the most contentious of all rule changes.

"The onus is on player safety.

Anderson said Ben Te'o's sickening shoulder charge on young Wests Tigers prop Matt Groat, "will be minimum penalty, minimum on report, but likely that play will be a send-off offence in 2013.

"The shoulder charge is a hip turn; the shoulder rotation where you put your arm up, you put your wing in so to speak."

Justin Hodges was herding sheep in the same notorious Origin series in 2012. The shepherd, sorry obstruction, will change?

"It's about who initiates contact, the onus is on the attacking team to just not run into the defending players and cause them any disadvantage."


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O'Connor: I want Test No.10 jersey

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Rivals ... O'Connor (L) and Cooper will put their friendship to one side on Friday night. Source:News Limited

Melbourne Rebels star James O'Connor has signalled his intentions to secure the Wallabies No.10 jersey as he prepares to face good mate Quade Cooper on Friday night.

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The rival No.10s will put their friendship to one side when Queensland Reds arrive at AAMI Park for O'Connor's first start in the playmaking role in 2013.

Speaking on Fox Sports' Rugby HQ on Thursday night, O'Connor stated his desire to once again don the Wallabies No.10 jersey as he did at the tail end of 2011.

"I haven't made it a secret that I want to be in the director's seat," O'Connor said while seated alongside Cooper in Fox Sports' Melbourne studios.

"But I just want to play with the best team when it comes to Wallabies selections – you want to be playing with the best guys.

"So for me, personally, I've got a bit to do to earn my way back into the team; obviously I didn't play much last year and I know Quade's got a few battles he wants to sort out."


Watch the Rebels v Reds Live on Fox Sports! Tune into Fox Sports 1HD from 7.20pm (EDT) Friday to catch all the action from AAMI Park!


Cooper's form has been patchy following his boxing debut in February with the controversial fly half struggling to produce his renowned attacking flair.

Still, the man who last year famously described the Wallabies environment as "toxic" said the added competition at No.10 would only benefit the Test side.

"The best thing about it is pushing yourself against the best players," Cooper said.

"James is one of the best players in Australia and to go head-to-head and to have that opportunity to play against one of my best mates and one of the best players in the world, it's a great opportunity for both of us."

One man who won't be out on AAMI Park Friday night is the incumbent Wallabies No.10, Kurtley Beale.

Beale underwent surgery on a hand injury on Tuesday, ruling him out of Super Rugby for up to four weeks.
 


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Bunnies give SBW tough welcome back

Greg Inglis ... was in ominous form against the Roosters. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

South Sydney underlined their NRL premiership credentials in the opening round of the season with an impressive 28-10 win over the Sydney Roosters on Thursday night.

2

Tries

5

James Maloney 3' Nathan Merritt 10'
Sonny Bill Williams 76' Nathan Merritt 28'
Chris McQueen 40'
George Burgess 46'
Nathan Merritt 61'

1

Conversions

4

James Maloney 77' Adam Reynolds 12'
Adam Reynolds 30'
Adam Reynolds 47'
Adam Reynolds 63'

The return of Sonny Bill Williams and the Roosters' recruitment of big-name stars Michael Jennings and James Maloney dominated the build-up but Souths' superstars took the plaudits in front of a crowd of 35,942 at Allianz Stadium.

A hat-trick of tries from Nathan Merritt laid the foundations for the victory along with Greg Inglis, who had hand in four of his side's five tries.

Williams marked his debut with a try late in the game - his first since July 7 2008, but it was nothing more than a consolation.

Young halfback Adam Reynolds outshone his opposite number Mitchell Pearce with an assured performance and Sam Burgess and Ben Te'o dominated the Roosters much-vaunted pack.

The crowd were on their feet after three minutes when Maloney marked his Roosters debut with a try.

However, the response from the Rabbitohs was swift, as man of the match Inglis blazed his way deep into Roosters territory before releasing Merritt with a bullet of a pass.

The prolific winger raced to the line for the 130th try in Souths colours.


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That kick-started the Souths forwards into action and they were rewarded when Merritt doubled his tally on the half-hour mark.

A teasing bomb from Reynolds was flicked into the path of Inglis, who found Dylan Farrell in space and the young centre offloaded for Merritt to score.

The setback prompted Roosters coach Trent Robinson to throw Williams into the fray for the first time since his controversial exit from Canterbury in 2008.

The Kiwi was greeted with a some heated words from Burgess, who then ran straight over the Rugby World Cup winner, much to the delight of the Rabbitohs supporters.

Souths continued from where they left off at the break, dominating in attack as the Roosters ill-discipline continued to let them down in addition to a number of basic errors.

The arrival of giant George Burgess from the bench added some extra beef to the Souths go-forward and the younger brother of Sam showed his potential with some powerful runs with the ball.

Six minutes after the break the Englishman scored his first NRL try when he bulldozed his way under the posts to end the game as a contest.

Merritt scored his third on the hour with Inglis once again the instigator to add some extra gloss, before Williams, who was quietly effective in his 50 minutes on the pitch, hauled in a Frank-Paul Nuuausala pass to race under the posts.

Reynolds kicked four goals, with Maloney kicking one for the Roosters.

Jennings was put on report just before the interval for a high shot on Beau Champion as was Sam Burgess for a high shot on Pearce.


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Uate re-signs with Knights

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 06 Maret 2013 | 18.48

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Akuila Uate ... re-signs with Newcastle Knights until the end of 2017. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Akuila Uate has re-signed with Newcastle for four more years, the NRL club announced on Wednesday.

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The former representative winger, who was linked to a move to Japanese rugby, has committed to the club until the end of the 2017 season.

"I love playing for the Knights and am really happy to stay here for the next four years,'' Uate said in a statement.

"I can't imagine playing anywhere else and the decision to re-sign was an easy one.

"Now my future is secured I am even more excited about running on to Hunter Stadium on Monday night.''

Chief executive Matt Gidley said the Knights were pleased to have fought off interest from rival codes and rival clubs to retain the Dally M winger of the year.

"There was obviously some interest in Aku from other clubs, so it is pleasing we have been able to secure him at the Knights for the next four years,'' Gidley said.

"As a fan favourite, we know our members and supporters will be happy to hear this news today.


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"Aku is one of the most exciting players in the competition and we look forward to his further development at the Knights."

Uate, who has scored 70 tries in 90 games for Newcastle, will this season be keen to atone for an indifferent 2012 in which he lost his NSW jersey.

Newcastle begin their 2013 campaign on Monday night at Hunter Stadium against Wests Tigers.


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Coaches to have say on cap: Malthouse

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Meeting ... Mick Malthouse wants all coaches to have a say on rules. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

A meeting with the AFL's rule-makers has reassured Carlton coach Mick Malthouse that he and his colleagues will get their say on next year's interchange cap.

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And the authors of the AFL's own annual injury survey say they've found nothing to convince them a cap will reduce injuries.

After AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou declared on Tuesday a cap was a certainty for next year, Malthouse said on Wednesday the league should at least set a limit that suits clubs.

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He said that would be well above the maximum of 80 rotations being trialled this pre-season.

Last season clubs averaged 131.

"I'm sure each club would have an optimum number,'' Malthouse told reporters.

"If you took that over 18 clubs and knocked off the bottom one and the top one then you're going to get somewhere near the number that most clubs think is the right number.''

Malthouse's meeting with the AFL's laws of the game committee came after the three-time premiership coach questioned whether the committee was being dominated by one or two figures who were out of touch with the modern game.

In return, committee member Kevin Bartlett accused coaches of acting purely out of self-interest and riding roughshod over the game.

On Wednesday, Malthouse was more conciliatory.

He said the committee convinced him it had the game's interests at heart.

He, in turn, had stressed that coaches also valued the game and its players.

Malthouse pointed to former Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams advocating rule changes to protect players' heads, despite the adverse effect on the career of his own hard-hitting player Byron Pickett.

"He was virtually nailing the coffin of that player, at the detriment of his football club, for the betterment of the game,'' Malthouse said.

Malthouse maintains there is evidence that increased rotations decreases injuries, which the AFL's injury survey, released on Wednesday, did nothing to contradict.

It found that AFL players missed fewer games through injury last year than for any other season since 2008, when rotations averaged 81.

"I don't think we can draw interpretations about caps or no caps from this particular data,'' survey co-author Hugh Seward said.

But while many coaches and players fiercely oppose a cap, West Coast coach John Worsfold says it will bring greater player fatigue so there will be more one-on-one rivalries and special moments.

"You'll see the old Gary Pert on Tony Lockett, and you'll know it's going to happen a couple of times each year over 10 years,'' Worsfold said.


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Hartley eyes national honours

Honours ... Chris Hartley still dreams of a baggy green. Source: Mark Calleja / News Limited

Thursday's Sheffield Shield battle between defending champions Queensland and a desperate Tasmania on a wet Gabba pitch will also feature a host of sideshows.

The prime objective for both states however will be an outright victory to push their Shield claims with just two games remaining.

But Australia's ordinary form so far against India on the sub continent has upped the stakes for several fringe Test players still hoping to push their case for the coming Ashes series.

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One of those is Bulls wicketkeeper Chris Hartley whom many believe is not only the best gloveman in the land but also the kind of rear guard fighter with the bat Australia is lacking.

The hero of Queensland's thrilling Shield final victory over Tasmania last summer - where he made a first innings 111 and a crucial 19 not out in the second dig - Hartley is hoping to produce something similar as the third placed Bulls fight to defend their crown.

While Hartley's focus is locked on the Shield trophy, he admits he still has an eye on making the national team.

"You never give up and my goal is still to play for Australia,'' he said.

"I'm keeping as well as I have ever done, and I was amongst the top run-scorers in the Ryobi Cup just gone and I'm probably in the top 10 in the Shield runs, so I am pretty happy with how I am hitting them.

"Hopefully I'm still in the selectors' thoughts if a spot comes up.''

One of several individual highlights will feature the clash of Queensland's Ryan Harris - in many ways Australia's forgotten fast bowler - and Tasmania's Test experienced Ben Hilfenhaus, the pair not long back from lengthy injury lay-offs.

Brisbane's big wet will ensure a lively wicket giving both sides hope of a result.

Tasmania's line-up boasts eight players with international or Australia A experience, headed by former national skipper Ricky Ponting who's averaging 111 in the Shield this season.


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'Sharks' pack is a tasty burger'

Unique twist ... Matt Cleary previews round one of the NRL. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

And so, blessedly, after a summer of cricket longer than Doctor Zhivago read aloud by economics bloke Bernie Fraser, here we are - round one of the National Rugby League.

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Lot to like, people: a dozen teams that can win it, some flat-out superstar players, and in the ever-entertaining way of rugby league, a backstory of grog, gambling, drugs, gossip, redemption and prodigal sons.

But enough malarkey.

Let's have the footy.

Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, Allianz Stadium, 8.05pm Thursday (EDT)

Cracking first hit-out, Schedulers: the mighty Rabbitohs of Redfern against their love-hated neighbours out of Bondi Junction. Two Establishment clubs, two sets of fans essentially the same people in different colours yet who genuinely dislike each other. Top stuff.

The Roosters have recruited fine players. You'll have read about them. They also have incumbent fine players in Jake Friend, Anthony Minichiello and hard-hitting Kiwi Jared Warea-Hargreaves. Mitchell Pearce says, "It's the most excited I've been before a first-grade game in six years".

Souths finished a game out of the grand final in 2012, they're chock-full of top players, and they're afraid of their coach. A heady combination.

New boy Ben Te'o has game, Dave Taylor does not. Greg Inglis is Andrew Johns's tip for the Dally M. Sam Burgess and Mick Crocker hit like the recession. And Adam Reynolds is a nippy, sneaky sniper in the finest Coleman Tradition.

Both games last year were ridiculous last-gasp bell-ringers. But Souths look stronger here.

Tip: Rabbitohs by 10.

Brisbane Broncos vs Manly Sea Eagles, Suncorp Stadium, Friday 9:05pm (EDT)

It's been twenty-five years since the Broncos faced Manly in their first ever game and you still can't tip this fixture with confidence.

Manly have a tidy roster and were the best team of 2012 before the finals.

Their star halves Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans have enjoyed an off-season hanging off Andrew Johns.

Brett Stewart is fit. The Wolfman returns. Jamie Lyon seems to get younger.

But T-Rex is no more, Glenn Stewart's busted, and the next time Steve Matai goes high he'll be rubbed out 74 weeks.

The Broncos wilted last year but their youngsters will be better for the run.

They've added a staunch forward in David Stagg and a wily little man in Scott Prince. He and Peter Wallace form a tasty halves combination.

Justin Hodges is an all-running, smothering, funny-movin', bow-legged try-wrangler and probably the best centre in the game.

Alex Glenn and Matt Gillett will start in the second-row, Stagg and Ben Hannant come off the bench.
Gotta like the Broncs.

Tip: Broncos by 8.

Parramatta Eels vs Warriors, Parramatta Stadium, Saturday 5:30pm (EDT), FS1HD

Last year's 14th and last-placed teams had a long look at themselves in the off-season and thought – "Makeover!"

And there seems to have been improvement in both squadrons. Particularly Parra who've installed Ricky Stuart as head coach, probably the most competitive person in the history of organised sport, politics and warfare.

Ever noticed when people are describing how competitive someone is they always bring up table tennis? "Oh man, even at table tennis, he wants to bury you."

Well, if you were playing ping-pong against Ricky Stuart and you beat him, he would kill you. Not metaphorically.

Not beat you up. Kill you. And then he'd toss your body in Parramatta River.

Competitive? If the Eels don't "win" some games – or at least lose them without an excuse about refs who done 'em wrong – Ricky might actually explode. Spontaneous human combustion. It happens.

The Eels? Have a live one in Chris Sandow, follow-me figures in Rene Maitua and Timmy Mannah, and a wondrous dream believer in Jarryd Hayne.

But I prefer the Warriors here. There's beastial Manu Vatuvei, slick movers Shaun Johnson and Kevin Locke, and cult hero colt Konrad Hurrell. Great to watch, Konrad, a nuggetty bullock with fast-twitchin' feet.

Throw in Maroons prop Jacob Lillyman, mega-tacklers Simon Mannering and Todd Lowrie (a fine pickup from Storm), and you can see the Warriors running roughshod over Parra here.

Tip: Warriors by 16.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs North QLD Cowboys, Bluetongue Stadium, Saturday 7:30pm (EDT), FS1HD

Good game, even without fallen wonder-boy Ben Barba. (Get well, Champion.)

The Doggies made the grand final last year, you may remember it. Out-muscled and out-played on the day but, y'know, they were ten points and Billy's flying fist from ever-lastin' glory. Apart from Barba it's roughly the same mob of hard-arses.

The Cows, meanwhile, were on the rough end of the pineapple in a knock-out versus Manly, non-beneficiaries of the Video Referee's interpretation of "doubt". (Thankfully a concept deader than fried chicken.)

The Cowboys will rely heavily on Johnathan Thurston. And why not? He's a champion. But it's their giant marauding forwards – Matt Scott, James Tamou and the Sims boys, Ashton and Tariq – who will thunder the ball downfield, breaking bodies and wills, and giftin Thurston ball on the hop.

Throw in pace-man Brent Tate and the otherworldly nous of Matthew Bowen and you've got Andrew Johns's premiership tip.

And on neutral Gosford soil without the game's most potent try-machine, the Dogs may struggle for points. Not a worry shared by the Cows.

Tip: Cowboys by 16.

Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders, Centrebet Stadium, Sunday 2pm (EDT), FS1HD

The home side have firmed into most pundits' wooden spoon misere, while the Raiders are reckoned to be on the up-and-up.

And in six months when the Panthers win the grand final and Canberra are tossed out the competition for [insert Massive Scandal here] we'll know for sure: Nostradamus made it all up.

Canberra won this fixture last season on their famous-late-if-ever-doomed unbeaten run. They won't have forgotten it. They're a fair side, the Raiders, looking at them. Good halves, massive forwards, athletic leapers in the backs. You can get $5 for them Top-4. And that is Overs.

But these Panthers, galvanised by said predictions of spoon-and-doom won't make it easy.

They've recruited several hard heads – Nigel Plum, Mose Masoe, Sika Manu – to beef-up an already beefy pack led by Clint Newton, Nathan Smith and 50-tackles-a-game man, captain Kevin Kingston.

But Canberra has the better team.

Tip: Raiders by 12.

Melbourne Storm vs St George Illawarra Dragons, AAMI Park, Sunday 3pm (EDT),

The popular and simple narrative for this fixture would be Reigning Premiers to beat up on Proud Club Rebuilding.

And we won't budge from that.

Melbourne has three superb players, and fourteen who are better for playing with them. And their coach flogs them like horse thieves. Storm is like a cult - a dangerous cult of fitness fanatics.

The Dragons? Slick back-division, no doubt, particularly Brett Morris and Jason Nightingale, two of the best wingers around. Matt Cooper still has plenty good footy in him and Jamie Soward is always out to niggle #haters.

Nathan Fien gets first dibs at the jumper St.George Illawarra wishes Cooper Cronk was wearing while Ben Creagh leads a pack well-served by prop Michael Weyman and fleet-footed hooker Mitch Rein.

Like Rein. Reckon he'll play Origin.

But they look skinny here, the Drags.

Tip: Storm by 18.

Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans, Sharks Stadium, Sunday 6:30pm (EDT), FS1HD

Cronulla have recruited more Tigers than Moscow Circus and have a forward pack arguably the best in the comp.

Paul Gallen alongside Luke Lewis, Wade Graham and Chris Heighington? As Samuel L. Jackson says in Pulp Fiction: "That is a tasty burger."

The Titans have lost inaugural club captain Scott Prince but still have a strong lineup. Luke Bailey and Luke Douglas will thunder into the Sharks' pack while super-fine lock Greg Bird will relish bashing old brother Gal.

Throw in Jamal Idris, Ash Harrison, Dave Taylor and Nate Myles, and the Titans pack have a bag of over-sized humans themselves.

But if we postulate that big units cancel each other out – and that none will be hauled from their dressing shed by secret agents of ASADA - the Sharks would seem to have an advantage in the halves, where lurks the flashy feet of Dally M medal winner Todd Carney.

Tip: Sharks by 10.

Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers, Hunter Stadium, Monday 7pm (EDT), FS1HD

Close one. But you've got to like the home side here.

Newcastle has had a year under Wayne Bennett, captain Kurt Gidley is fit, and everyone's going to be paid. Good times.

Look at their forwards: Kade Snowden, Willie Mason, Beau Scott, Chris Houston and Jeremy Smith. Absolute meat-axes.

Check out the spine: Darius Boyd, Jarrod Mullen, Gidley and talented ex-Canberra rake Travis Waddell.

Sure, the Tigers will turn up with a fresh team of hard-heads, a re-born Braith and the funkiest stepping five-eighth in the history of organised sports, warfare, etcetera.

But Monday night in the Hunter the Tigers will know: This is Newcastle.

Tip: Knights by 12.


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NRL teams: SBW to start from bench

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 05 Maret 2013 | 18.48

SBW ... will begin life as a Rooster from the bench against the Bunnies. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Sonny Bill Williams is in, as is Todd Carney, but Canberra duo Josh Dugan and Jarrod Croker were the big names missing when the teams for the opening round of the NRL season were unveiled on Tuesday.

As expected Williams was named on an impressive Sydney Roosters bench for Thursday night's season-opener against South Sydney - Martin Kennedy, Luke O'Donnell and Boyd Cordner alongside him as one of seven interchange options.

The dual international still has to prove his fitness with concerns over his surgically-repaired pectoral muscle, but Roosters official remain hopeful that he will be right.

The Rabbitohs have skipper Michael Crocker starting from the bench.

Carney, who like Williams failed to feature during any of his side's trials, was also named in the Cronulla No.6 jumper to face Gold Coast on Sunday - the NSW Origin pivot given the green light by coach Shane Flanagan.

Carney hasn't played since tearing his Achilles tendon during last year's finals series, and only returned to full training last week.

He is part of a powerful Sharks squad that includes ex-Penrith duo Michael Gordon and Luke Lewis in the starting side - while Chris Heighington, Anthony Tupou and Jayson Bukuya are all on a six-man interchange bench.

There was no such good news for Raiders fans however, with Dugan (virus) and Croker (knee) not named to play Penrith - though officials haven't given up all hope that either could be a late addition.

"We're in a position where we've basically got everyone fit so we don't see any need to be rushing those guys back for the first round, because it's a long season," assistant coach Andrew Dunemann said.

"There's still a possibility that they could play, but they'd have to prove they are 100 per cent fit.

"If they're not 100 per cent fit then we won't play them because we're more than happy with what we've got as far as replacements."

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Reece Robinson will fill in for Dugan at fullback, with Jack Wighton the new man in the centres.

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson will return from an elbow injury earlier than expected, with former Wigan playmaker Thomas Leuluai to partner him in the halves against Parramatta on Saturday night.

Steve Turner will fill the Canterbury-Bankstown No.1 jumper vacated by the suspended Ben Barba against North Queensland Cowboys, for whom Ray Thompson has got the jump on Robert Lui to be Johnathan Thurston's halves partner.

The Titans have surprisingly named key recruit Dave Taylor on the bench to face the Sharks, with Ben Ridge preferred in the run-on side, while Albert Kelly will be given another crack at the NRL against the team that gave him his first chance.

Wests Tigers have included prop Aaron Woods on a six-man bench as he looks to return from minor knee surgery, with rookie front-rower Jack Buchanan given a starting berth against a powerful Newcastle side that features Beau Scott, Chris Houston and Jeremy Smith in an ominous back-row.


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'Seven players' futures in doubt'

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Under pressure ... Phil Hughes and Shane Watson will be feeling the heat in India. Source: William West / AAP

No less than seven players in Australia's current XI will have their Test futures heavily scrutinised over the coming week, veteran News Limited cricket writer Robert Craddock says.

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The entire Australia team has already come in for heavy criticism after their capitulation against India in the second Test in Hyderabad, with skipper Michael Clarke just about the only player exempt.

Craddock, who admits he's not sure how much the selectors can do to turn the side's fortunes around in time for the third Test, says there are seven players in particular who will be feeling the heat.

"I could name … seven players whose Test futures are really under the pump," Craddock said.

"David Warner's safe but he struggles against spin, Ed Cowan is dogged but he lacks shots.

"Phillip Hughes just cannot play spin, Shane Watson's been such a huge disappointment again, only two Test centuries.

"Moises Henriques - well he's only ever scored one first-class century, (so) is he a Test all-rounder, I don't know.


Join us @FoxCricketLive from 12pm (EDT) Wednesday as we dissect Australia's disastrous defeat in Hyderabad and debate what needs to be done to turn the side's fortunes around.


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"Then of course there's our two spinners, Xavier Doherty and young Glenn Maxwell - well, goodness me, if they're Test spinners we are in desperate shape."

Craddock's main concern, however, is to do with the men who aren't in the current lineup.

"The other problem is the troops outside the team are not that good."

Fox Sports cricket expert Allan Border, who is commentating on the matches in India, suggests selectors are no closer to knowing who the best 11 players in the country are.

"It's difficult because they're just not used to playing in these conditions," Border said.

"They're probably not sure what their best XI might and should be. They might shuffle them a little bit, and we'll see Usman Khawaja or Steven Smith come into contention for a batting place.

"I think a couple of batsmen are definitely feeling the pinch, Phil Hughes in particular looks really as though he's struggling a lot."

Fellow former Test batsman VVS Laxman, also working as a commentator in India, suggested a batting reshuffle should be in order for the Aussies.

"Have Ed Cowan bat at No.3, and Shane Watson and Warner up the order, and Michael Clarke at No.4," Laxman said.


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Fox Sports' winter wonderland

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Winter wonderland ... Fox Sports is the only place to be for the best sport in 2013 Source: Justin Lloyd / News Limited

Australia's leading sports broadcaster Fox Sports has unveiled a fresh new look ahead of the most exciting winter sports season it has ever embarked upon.

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The company's new headquarters on Sydney's north shore hosted politicians, industry executives, a raft of past and present Australian sports stars and members of the media to launch a new era.

Attending the launch was News Ltd CEO Kim Williams, NRL stars Todd Carney, Braith Anasta, Krisnan Inu and Tim Mannah, Leisel Jones, the Fox Sports NRL team including Peter Sterling, Matthew Johns, Matt Shirvington and Gorden Tallis and Fox Sports personalities Mark Bosnich, Phil Kearns and Tony Squires.

The launch and new brand reveal comes ahead of the broadcaster's biggest winter sports offering in history; including a seven-day NRL schedule, FOX FOOTY's live coverage of every match in the AFL Premiership , the A-League Finals Series and Socceroos' World Cup Qualifiers, plus the two biggest sporting events of the year - the British and Irish Lions Tour and The Ashes.

"On top of that, we now have 21 weekly entertainment shows across our sports, which is where we'll fuel the excitement of fans ahead of the weekend action," Fox Sports CEO Patrick Delany said.

"It's a phenomenal winter of live sport, our biggest ever."


Fox Footy is the only place to see every game of the 2013 AFL regular season live in high definition and uninterrupted siren-to-siren.


Fox Sports will bring fans closer to their game in 2013, with High Definition coverage, stunning new 'virtual' presentations and game-changing camera angles from FoxKopter, the FoxMobile segway, Ref Cam and Cornerpost Cam across different sports.

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"We're going to take fans to where they've never been with all of our exclusive in-play innovations. This is the year where fans come first," Delany said.

To mark the kick off to the winter sports season, Fox Sports revealed the name of the main studio at its new Sydney headquarters at a special ceremony.

The studio, which will house NRL coverage, has been named after Rugby League 'Immortal', Clive Churchill.

Head of  Channels, Gary Burns, was joined by the late Churchill's wife, Joyce, and son, Rodney, to unveil the Studio in front of South Sydney greats George Piggins, Bob McCarthy, Michael Cleary and Ron Coote.

Fox Sports Australia has also launched a new corporate logo in line with its global affiliate broadcasters.

"We're an established global brand stretching from USA, through Asia and into Australia. The brand thinks globally but acts locally," Delany said.


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Australia's second Test report card

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Shattered ... how will Australia recover from the second Test loss? Source: James Elsby / AAP

After one of Australia's heaviest defeats in recent memory, we present player-by-player ratings for the innings and 135-run defeat in the second Test against India.

David Warner
Rating: 3 out of 10
He may not have had tummy trouble this time around, but David Warner is still having a tough time of it over in India. Clean bowled by Kumar in the first innings and bowled around his legs by Ashwin in the second, he seems stuck between playing his naturally aggressive game and trying to occupy the crease.

Ed Cowan
Rating: 5 out of 10
Cowan was out to a contentious lbw decision in the first innings and showed his fighting qualities with a gritty 44 in the second, off 150 balls – a third of Australia's runs in that innings. That should have silenced some critics, although others will still be calling for him to take advantage of his good starts.

Phillip Hughes
Rating: 2 out of 10
Hughes continues to look completely out of his depth against India's quality spinners. The stat doing the rounds during this Test was that his last 39 balls against spin have yielded no runs and four wickets. Selectors face a tough decision on whether or not to drop him and bring Usman Khawaja into the side, or keep him in there in the hope of building his confidence in the lead-up to the Ashes.

Shane Watson
Rating: 3 out of 10
Watson's continued ability to look in fine touch before getting out cheaply must surely be starting to bug the all-rounder-turned-batsman. He looked to be in a dominant mood before falling to an ugly-looking pull shot for 23 on day one, and was out to a soft dismissal down the leg side in the second. Depending on where Clarke decides to move, Watson may go up one spot in the batting order.


Join us @FoxCricketLive from 12pm (EDT) Wednesday as we dissect Australia's disastrous defeat in Hyderabad and debate what needs to be done to turn the side's fortunes around.


Michael Clarke
Rating: 7 out of 10
Australia's shining light once again was their captain, although for once he fell short of a milestone when he was dismissed for 91 in the first innings. If his post-match comments are anything to go by, Clarke looks certain to move up the order, but it remains to be seen how much of a difference this will make. 

Matthew Wade
Rating: 6 out of 10
Wade was much improved from his performance in the first Test, and his efforts were all the more impressive given he had a fractured cheekbone. His fighting knock of 62 in the first dig prevented Australia from having the type of collapse that came in the second innings, while he looks to be getting more accustomed to the different method of wicketkeeping required on the sub-continent.

Moises Henriques
Rating: 2 out of 10
Moises Henriques got a dose of reality in his second Test outing, crashing back to earth with scores of five and zero, and picking up bowling figures of 0-45 off 21 overs. He'll need to rid himself of the inconsistency that has plagued his domestic career if he's to make it as a permanent Test fixture.

Glenn Maxwell
Rating: 5 out of 10
Probably Australia's most controversial selection in recent years, Glenn Maxwell went a way to justifying his baggy green call-up with four wickets, although plenty of damage had been done by then. He did extract a fair amount of turn and bounce on day three, but his ineffectiveness on day two would have been worrying. His performances with the willow wouldn't have done much to convince experts he's up to being a top seven Test batsman.

Peter Siddle
Rating: 3 out of 10
Siddle was once again economical, but continued to lack penetration without the assistance he usually receives in Australia. Deserves credit for picking up the tourists' only wicket on day two, but apart from that it was another barren spell for the lion-hearted Victorian.


Watch the third Test between India and Australia, LIVE, EXCLUSIVE and in HD from 2.50pm (EDT) Thursday 14 March on Fox Sports 2HD.


James Pattinson
Rating: 6 out of 10
Pattinson continued to mix up his bowling lengths and was once again rewarded with wickets, although he could only manage two of them this time around. He claimed the key scalps of Cheteshwar Pujara - admittedly after the Indian had already made 204 – and Sachin Tendulkar, and his 29 overs would have pleased those who thought he wasn't bowled enough in the first Test.

Xavier Doherty
Rating: 3 out of 10
The stats show Xavier Doherty picked up three wickets on his Test comeback and brought his bowling average down to 72, but those stats need to be taken with a grain of salt. His three victims were tail-enders, and the lack of turn he was able to extract from a spin-friendly deck will worry the selectors that showed so much faith in him.


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Can Williams hold Raiders spot?

Written By Unknown on Senin, 04 Maret 2013 | 18.48

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Talent ... Raiders playmaker Sam Williams is likely to start at halfback. Source: Renee McKay / AAP

It's Groundhog Day for Canberra halfback Sam Williams as he faces a third NRL audition in as many years.

With skipper Terry Campese expected to miss the opening month of the season as he nurses his way back from consecutive knee reconstructions, Williams is set to be handed a start for Sunday's opening round trip to Penrith.

It's another chance to impress for a regular spot in the Raiders side, just as the 21-year-old did in 2011 and again in 2012 when he played a combined 33 games while deputising for Campese.

Off-contract at the end of the year, Williams said the first four rounds would be a chance to impress both Raiders officials and rival clubs as he looks to shore-up his NRL future.

"We all know that Campo's going to be back and how good a quality of player he is,'' Williams said.

"It's important for me to play well at the start of the season and then when Campo comes back, it makes it hard for the coaches.

"At the moment I've got that opportunity and other teams may be looking.''

The Raiders are being overly cautious with Campese, with coach David Furner hoping to have him back on deck for the round five meeting with the Sydney Roosters.

After first injuring the knee during the 2010 finals series - which along with a groin injury all-but wiped out his 2011 season, Campese again broke down when his knee gave way in round seven last year.

Meanwhile fullback Josh Dugan remains in doubt to face the Panthers after being hospitalised with a virus.

"Starting to feel normal again after 3 days in hospital...'' Dugan tweeted.

He was back at Raiders headquarters on Monday but did not train, with Raiders officials hoping to have him back running in the coming days.


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Mick, AFL to meet over interchange cap

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Resolution ... Mick Malthouse will meet Kevin Bartlett following their public spat. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Having traded public barbs over the AFL's controversial interchange trial, Mick Malthouse and Kevin Bartlett will now thrash out the issue face to face.

Malthouse has accepted an invitation to meet on Wednesday with the league's rules committee, which features Bartlett, and no doubt the league's trial cap on interchange rotations will be the main topic.

The Carlton coach is vehemently opposed to the limit of 80 rotations per team in each game, which was trialled in last weekend's NAB Cup matches.

There will be no rotation cap during the regular season, but there is strong speculation the AFL could bring in a rule for next year.

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Malthouse had accepted the invitation before Saturday night's post-match media conference when he made some pointed comments about the rules committee.

"I sincerely hope that the rules committee are governed by people, who have got an understanding of the modern game, not previous long-ago coaches, or long-ago players, or new players that have no say, or new officials that just make up the numbers," Malthouse said.

"I hope it's not dominated by one or two people who seem to be able to push their way in and around, as a consequence it feels good to be in control, so therefore we'll make it 80 (rotations)."

Bartlett, now an AFL commentator, is an official AFL legend who played 403 games for Richmond and also coached the club.

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He hit back at old Tigers team-mate Malthouse on Monday.

"I really do hope he was talking about me, because that means I would be getting under the skin of the coaches," Bartlett said on SEN.

"Someone has got to be listening, watching and observing what the coaches say or do.

"They babble on at press conferences and after games, (we) have got to make them accountable."

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Malthouse was one of several coaches last weekend who hit out at the trial interchange rule, but Bartlett strongly backed it.

"The big surprise was no player collapsed through exhaustion playing under the 80 interchange rule, or had to be stretchered off because his body had been stressed to the point of no return, and players didn't drop like flies," Bartlett said sarcastically.

"I don't think the game suffered by having on average 100 less interchanges, was it so detrimental to the game that 100 players couldn't sprint to the bench?

"The game didn't suffer or go backwards because rotations were capped.

"Everyone survived and so did the game, and that was no surprise to me."


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Aussies way behind despite comeback

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X-man ... Xavier Doherty picked up three wickets on day three. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Australia's cricketers are facing the prospect of another big defeat against India while struggling batsman Phil Hughes's spot is in serious doubt.

2nd Test - Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium

2 March 2013 - Day 3, Session 3

Australia 2nd Innings

E. Cowan 26 100 4 0 26
S. Watson 9 27 0 1 33.33
R. Jadeja 3 2 2 0 0.67

Australia reached 2-74 in their second innings at stumps on Monday's third day in the second Test, requiring another 192 runs to make the home side bat again in Hyderabad.

Hughes was out for a ninth-ball duck, his second scoreless knock in four innings in the series, and has made just 25 runs at an average of 6.25.

It's a far cry from the numbers the 25-year-old posted in his comeback series against Sri Lanka in January when the South Australia batsman hit 233 runs at an average of 46.60 after a year out of the side.

Hughes has been out to spin on all four occasions so far this series, including three times to offspinner Ravi Ashwin.

India made no secret of their tactics before a ball was bowled - attack Australia's left-handers with offspin going away from the bat towards slip.

Hughes was caught behind on the cut shot in the first innings to Ashwin and in the second dig he gloved the ball onto his stumps while attempting to sweep Ashwin.

Opener David Warner also departed to a sweep attempt, playing around a ball from Ashwin to lose his leg stump on 26.

Ed Cowan is 26 not out with Shane Watson on nine.

India had resumed on 1-311 on Monday morning and were bowled out for 503 at tea for a first-innings lead of 266.

Debutant offspinner Glenn Maxwell claimed 4-127 and left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty removed three tailenders in his 3-131.

The 370-run partnership between Murali Vijay (167) and Cheteshwar Pujara (204) is the highest by an Indian pair for the second wicket in Test cricket.

No.5 Virat Kohli made 34 and skipper MS Dhoni clubbed 44 off 43 balls but the innings fell away with the last six wickets tumbling for 43 runs.

The Indians lead the four-match series one-nil.


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Big Merv's 'miracle of Hyderabad'

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Old magic ... Merv Hughes after taking a catch in the crowd off a Dave Warner six. Source:FOX SPORTS

Merv Hughes retired from Test cricket long ago but you can't keep a good big man down.

When Australia's opening batsman David Warner hit a six at Hyderabad in the second Test against India on Monday, the last person he expected to catch the ball was Big Merv.

The former Test quick and ex-national selector was sitting in the stands at long-on with a tour group when Warner drove straight towards the most famous moustache in Australian sport.

Big Merv snapped it up like it was a chocolate cake at afternoon tea during his playing days and his former Test captain Allan Border could barely contain his excitement.

"That is the miracle of Hyderabad,'' TV commentator Border said. "If he was wearing a white shirt he would be a sight screen."


Click on the video above to see Merv Hughes roll back the years and take a deep catch in the second test!



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Saints' late surge downs Swans

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 03 Maret 2013 | 18.48

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Battle ... St Kilda's Sean Dempster takes on Jesse White of the Swans. Source: David Crosling / AAP

St Kilda took control in the last term for a 23-point win over Sydney in their AFL pre-season game at Etihad Stadium.

0.1.2 (8) Q1 0.3.2 (20)
0.6.6 (42) Q2 1.5.6 (45)
0.8.9 (57) Q3 1.7.9 (60)
0.13.12 (90) Q4 1.8.10 (67)

Trent Dennis-Lane

2

Andrejs Everitt

2

Sam Dunell

2

Jake Lloyd

2

Ahmed Saad

2

Jed Lamb

1

David Armitage

1

Dane Rampe

1

Clinton Jones

1

Sam Reid

1

Beau Maister

1

Dean Towers

1

Terry Milera

1

Jesse White

1

Leigh Montagna

1

Farren Ray

1

Arryn Siposs

1

The Saints trailed at every change, but kicked five goals to one in the final quarter to win 0.13.12 (90) to 1.8.10 (67).

The win could come at a heavy cost, with Saints key position player Rhys Stanley to have scans on Monday for a knee injury.

The Saints experimented with Stanley as a key defender and it paid off as he kept Swans star Sam Reid quiet. Stanley then hyper-extended his knee in the third term and was subbed out of the game.

Height in defence is a weakness for the Saints, who finished ninth last season.

Midfielders David Armitage, Leigh Montagna and Clint Jones were solid for St Kilda, while Swans onballer Dan Hannebery had a game-high 30 disposals.

Sydney kicked three goals to one in the opening term and then cleared out to an 18-point lead at the start of the second quarter.

Dane Rampe kicked a super goal for the Swans, but the Saints closed out the half better and only trailed by four points at the main break.

The Swans were again on top with the first two goals of the third quarter.

Saints small forward Ahmed Saad then snapped a goal and dished off another to Armitage, reducing the gap to three points at the last break.

When Terry Milera goaled at the start of the final quarter, it was the first time the Saints had led since the opening term.

Former Swan Trent Dennis-Lane sealed the win with a running goal 20 minutes into the quarter.


Check out the full 2013 AFL premiership season fixture



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Video: beware A-League's little men

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Diminutive stars ... Alessandro Del Piero and Marco Rojas light up round 23. Source:AAP

They may be small in stature, but Alessandro Del Piero and Marco Rojas looked a class above their rivals in round 23 of the A-League, each netting goals different in nature, yet equally delightful to watch.

Entrants must be 18 or over and hold a current full Australian driver's licence.

The competition commences on, 27 January 2013 at 8:30pm AEDT and closes on 5 April 2013 at 5:00pm AEDT and is divided into 10 weekly periods.

Each weekly period opens on Sunday at 8:30pm AEDT and closes on the following Friday at 5:00pm AEDT.

One entry per weekly entry period.

This competition is authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/13/00440, ACT TP13/00141, Victorian Permit No. 13/117 & SA Licence No. T13/61.

Rojas left his fingerprints all over Melbourne Victory's demolition job of Newcastle Jets on Sunday, the 'Kiwi Messi' bagging two goals and set up two others in a performance that would have left a huge smile on coach Ange Postecoglou's face with the finals fast approaching.

Heading into the game, Rojas hadn't scored in the A-League since Australia Day, but his twinkle toes and ice-cool finish led Newcastle Jets a merry dance as the Victory put five goals past their opponents.

Sydney FC might have gone down to Perth Glory on Saturday night, but don't blame marquee man Alessandro Del Piero, whose apparently weaker left-foot lit up nib Stadium.

Just how good was Del Piero's long-range effort? Good enough to get opposition coach Alistair Edwards to admit to enjoying it from the Glory dugout.

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Fast running out of plaudits, Western Sydney Wanderers fairytale season keeps on rolling, Labinot Haliti's goal against the Mariners helping the competition's new boys smash fortress Bluetongue and jump to the top of the A-League.

It might not have been as spectacular as Del Piero's or Rojas's efforts, but the context and sheer occasion earn it a place in this week's nominations.


Fox Sports and Hyundai are giving fans the chance to win by voting in the Goal of the Week competition.

The major prize winner will drive home the all-new Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo. Delivering both street presence and dynamic performance, with 150kW of grunt and 265Nm of torque delivered by a twin-scroll turbocharged engine, you'll be the envy of all of your friends.

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The runner-up prize winner will win tickets to a corporate box at the Hyundai A-League grand final including return economy flights, transfers and two nights' accommodation to enjoy with three friends.

There is also a weekly cash prize of $300 up for grabs.

To enter, simply visit our competition page here each week to vote for your favourite goal and submit your details below.

Enjoy the video, good luck, and don't forget to return weekly from 830pm (EDT) each Sunday for your feast of great goals and chance to win!


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Blow for Reid as Pies beat Eagles

Scrap ... Collingwood's Jarryd Blair tackles Matthew Priddis of the West Coast Eagles. Source: By Joe Castro / AAP

Collingwood defender Ben Reid faces a nervous wait after injuring his right knee in Sunday's 20-point pre-season cup victory over West Coast at Patersons Stadium.

0.4.3 (27) Q1 1.2.1 (22)
0.7.3 (45) Q2 2.4.5 (47)
0.8.6 (54) Q3 2.7.8 (68)
1.10.7 (76) Q4 3.10.9 (96)

Mark LeCras

4

Jamie Elliott

2

Dean Cox

1

Caolan Mooney

2

Jamie Cripps

1

Steele Sidebottom

2

Shannon Hurn

1

Jarryd Blair

1

Josh J. Kennedy

1

Travis Cloke

1

Scott Lycett

1

Sam Dwyer

1

Matt Priddis

1

Paul Seedsman

1

Scott Selwood

1

Ben Sinclair

1

Dane Swan

1

Reid limped off the field in the third quarter after jarring his right leg when a falling Josh Kennedy crashed into him.

The 2010 premiership defender was plagued by quad injuries early last AFL season and has just four weeks to prove his fitness for the club's season opener against North Melbourne on March 31.

West Coast were also struck by injuries, wingman Andrew Embley damaging his right hamstring and Matt Rosa finishing the game on the bench with an ice pack on his right hamstring.

Although the treatment for Rosa was precautionary, Embley's seemed more serious, with the 2006 Norm Smith medallist facing a race against time to be fit for the March 23 opener against Fremantle.

Collingwood's 3.10.9 (96) to 1.10.7 (76) triumph was their third straight win of the pre-season.
The Magpies will reach the final if they can beat Brisbane in Saturday night's clash at Etihad Stadium.

Collingwood were well served by Scott Pendlebury, Paul Seedsman, Alan Toovey, Heath Shaw and Dane Swan.

West Coast forward Mark LeCras booted four goals in just his second match back from a knee reconstruction, while skipper Darren Glass was strong in defence and Scott Selwood tallied 29 possessions and a super goal.

Collingwood entered the match missing more than half of their first-choice side, with the likes of Luke Ball, Dayne Beams, Alan Didak, Darren Jolly, Dale Thomas, Andrew Krakouer and Clinton Young among a host of players absent.

But the Pies' greater work rate and hardness at the ball proved the difference, with their pressure in the forward half a particular highlight.

The Eagles, who take on Port Adelaide in Alice Springs on Saturday, are out of the running to reach the cup final after winning just one of their three games.

Former West Coast forward Quinten Lynch was solid for Collingwood, spending time up forward and in the ruck.
 


Check out the full 2013 AFL premiership season fixture



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