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Brave Brumbies fall at final hurdle

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 03 Agustus 2013 | 18.49

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We are the champions ... The Chiefs celebrate their win over the Brumbies. Source: Sandra Mu / Getty Images

AN exhausted Brumbies side fell short of a miraculous grand final victory after being steamrolled late by the Chiefs, who became just the fourth franchise to defend their Super Rugby championship.

2

Tries

1

Liam Messam 64' Christian Lealiifano 39'
Robbie Robinson 68'

1

Conversions

1

Aaron Cruden 69' Christian Lealiifano 40'

5

Penalties

5

Aaron Cruden 24' Christian Lealiifano 6'
Aaron Cruden 26' Christian Lealiifano 8'
Aaron Cruden 32' Christian Lealiifano 21'
Aaron Cruden 48' Christian Lealiifano 46'
Aaron Cruden 72' Christian Lealiifano 59'

The Brumbies had led 22-12 until the 65th minute, but ran out of puff to go down 27-22 to a classy Chiefs outfit who scored two tries in the last 15 minutes.

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While coach Jake White had said prior to the game the Brumbies would not use their 31,000km month-long travel schedule as an excuse, it was clear in the dying stages that the Brumbies were struggling to keep up.

It appeared they had done enough to set a solid base for victory with their 10-point lead in the final quarter, but by the 68th the Chiefs went ahead for the first time in the game after successive tries.

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The Chiefs had not been able to get across the line until there was just 15 minutes remaining, when backrower Liam Messam barged over from the back of a scrum five metres out.


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That try had the Brumbies leading 22-17, but a long break by Bundee Aki and Asaeli Tikoirotuma out wide saw the Chiefs spread the ball back inside.

Replacement fullback Robbie Robinson, with his first touch, cut back inside Tevita Kuridrani and raced 30 metres to the tryline, sending the sellout crowd delirious.

An additional penalty goal by Aaron Cruden was the final scoring play of the match, despite the Brumbies pressing with the ball in the final seconds.

A turnover after the full-time siren gave the Chiefs a deserved win after they had finished top of the table in the regular rounds.

Only the Crusaders, Blues and Bulls before them had won back-to-back titles.

With a try and superb kicking, Christian Leali'ifano had scored all the points for the Brumbies as they led 16-9 at half-time.

A brilliant intercept try by the centre a minute before the break gave the visitors a huge boost heading into the sheds, after the Chiefs had reeled in a 9-0 deficit.

The Brumbies used a relentless rush defence all game and it paid huge dividends when Chiefs halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow, pressured at the back of a ruck on halfway, threw a speculative wide pass.

Leali'ifano raced in and scooped the ball with one hand just before it hit the ground, then outsprinted Aaron Cruden for 50 metres to score the opening try.

Leali'ifano had earlier kicked three penalties – two in the first eight minutes – to give his side an ideal start.

The Brumbies led 9-0 after 21 minutes but the Chiefs had drawn level by the 32nd following a dramatic swing in momentum.

The Chiefs stunned the Brumbies by running it from all areas; from their own line, taking quick taps from penalties, and spreading the ball with sublime speed.

But the Brumbies were desperate in cover defence and kept their rivals tryless until late.

The underdogs showed no signs of big-game nerves in the early going.

Five minutes in Peter Kimlin latched onto a midfield turnover and raced downfield. Following a long raid at the line, halfback Nic White earned a penalty for a high tackle by prop Toby Smith, and Leali'ifano slotted an easy penalty goal.

From the kick-off, the Brumbies booted the ball downfield and then surged over the ruck ball, forcing another penalty 37 metres out on the sideline, which Leali'ifano just managed to kick over the bar.

The Chiefs finally earned a penalty of their own in the but Cruden fluffed his kick, and two minutes later Leali'ifano nailed a monster 43-metre effort to give the Brumbies a nine-point lead.

Cruden got the Chiefs on the board with a penalty goal in the 23rd, and then added a second to cut the lead to 9-6 by the 26th.

When Stephen Moore was penalised for a second successive ruck infringement Cruden drew his team level with eight minutes left in the half.

But Leali'ifano's try was a deflating blow.

Just six minutes into the second half Leali'ifano extended the lead with his fourth penalty, but Cruden returned with his own to make the score 19-12 in the 48th.

Lock Sam Carter was denied a try when television match official Vinny Munro could not determine that he had grounded the ball amid a rubble of bodies in the 56th minute.

Munro then denied the Chiefs a try in similar circumstances with 17 minutes remaining, but the home side were relentless in pursuit of another crown.

Rugby writer Iain Payten will cover the game with a live chat of the Super Rugby final. Login to follow all the action and cheer on the Brumbies.


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Eagles hold off fast-finishing Suns

Close ... Andrew Embley celebrates a goal against the Suns. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

WEST Coast power forward Josh Kennedy and ruck star Dean Cox snuffed out an audacious Gold Coast Suns to lead a rare Eagles win at home at Patersons Stadium this season.

The Eagles survived a horrible scare when the brave bunch of youngsters stormed to within just two points twice in the last term before little known West Coast tagger Mark Hutchings and then Bradd Dalziell continued his finest spell of AFL form with a vital goal and a 14-point break.

Another unsung West Coast battler Ashton Hams probably sealed the morale-boosting win with a highly unlikely contested mark in a big pack and kicked truly to set the margin back out to eight points and Cox sealed the win with an imposing last term.

West Coast held out to win by 17 points 20.10 (130) to 17. 11 (113) and Suns champion Gary Ablett only spasmodic in his bursts of genius in a sensational one-on-one battle with tough Eagles tagger Scott Selwood.

Ablett was at his most threatening in the last term and finished with 27 disposals after 13 touches to the long break.

Boom Eagles recruit Sharrod Wellingham finally slammed out the Suns resistance with important composure in the hot last term frenzy as well as a running goal going into time-on and a 14-point margin.

Cox, 32 and in 269th Eagles outing, eventually worked into best-afield with a masterful final term and Wellingham's experience in the crisis of the Suns brave finish was crucial.

On-ball guns Harley Bennell, Dion Prestia and Jaeger O'Meara were stars and Ablett all never seemed to give up hope of upsetting the Eagles on their home turf.

Kennedy now has 59 goals and leads Jarryd Roughead and Jeremy Cameron all on 54 in the Coleman race.

He led the under achieving Eagles to their third home win from 10 starts there this season.

Kennedy had his fourth just 10 minutes into the second term and methodically stretching his lead at the top of the Coleman Medal race as the league's top goal-kicker for the season.

West Coast looked set to break the game open with three unanswered goals and out to a threatening 20-point lead  in a six minute burst to start the second term and Ablett being closely watched by Selwood.

The Eagles survived a scare from the young Suns who suffered from horrible inaccuracy with three consecutive minor scores as the visitors threatened to take the lead and levelled score deep into second term time-on.

But somewhat against the trend of the tight clash West Coast nailed crucial goals at the 28-minute mark from Jamie Cripps on a quick free-wheeling burst and then after the half-time to Josh Hill for his second of the term from a gutsy contested mark.

The flying start from Kennedy forced some running repairs in the Suns defence with big Rory Thompson shifted off the big Eagles forward and Steven May taking over.

Ablett also worked his way back into some influence as Prestia dominated around the ball and bursting from midfield with a stunning 20 possessions to the long interval.

The Eagles already injury depleted midfield suffered another setback before the opening bounce with star ball-winner Matt Priddis ruled out with a thigh injury the clearances expert suffered at training on Thursday.

Veteran play-maker Daniel Kerr with on-going knee troubles, big possession winner Chris Masten who suffered an ankle problem against the Western Bulldogs last Sunday and Luke Shuey with a hamstring strain were all missing from the Eagles engine room.

Suns coach Guy McKenna pulled an early surprise by starting classy ball-winner David Swallow at half-forward and Ablett also lurking close to goal forcing a mismatch with Eagles gun big defender Darren Glass or Selwood away from the midfield in his turn running with the little master.

It was somewhat surprising that Ablett spent prolonged periods away from the midfield congestion and especially as West Coast established the biggest lead of the clash at 22-points just ahead of the final break and the Sun genius had managed 17 disposals and just four touches in the third term.

Uncertainty in Ablett's looming danger contributed significantly in the Suns first two goals as another excitement machine Bennell and big Charlie Dixon got free with successive majors to steal the lead eight minutes into the opening term.

Re-live the Eagles important win over Gold Coast in our AFL Match Centre, featuring all the stats and SuperCoach scores.

Glass was far more comfortable and evenly matched with his assignments on big Suns forwards than chasing the nippy Ablett around.

McKenna also sent veteran big man Nathan Bock forward in the renowned defender's first game back with the developing Suns since Round 6 narrow loss to Fremantle on the Gold Coast in early May last year.

Bock, 30, resumed from a badly broken leg and has played forward in the Suns reserves team for more than a month ahead of imposing return against the struggling Eagles.

West Coast planted utility Will Schofield into a defensive forward's role minding potentially damaging run and penetrating long kicking from dashing Suns youngsters Trent McKenzie and Seb Tape alternately.


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Live: third Ashes Test, day three

Peter Siddle picked up two wickets late on day two at Old Trafford. Source: Getty Images

AFTER two days of dominance with the bat, it's time for Australia to try ram home their advantage with the ball on day three of the third Ashes Test.

Stick with us to get all the best reaction and analysis from social media, as well as on the spot videos provided exclusively by Fox Sports.

Join the conversation by leaving a comment in the blog below, or let us know what you think by getting in touch on Twitter, @FoxCricketLive.

If using the comment box in the blog, you can just enter a name where it says 'Display Name', or you can log in using one of your social media accounts. Get involved now!

GET THE ULTIMATE MATCH COMPANION, FEATURING VIDEO OF EVERY WICKET AND BOUNDARY, BALL-BY-BALL COMMENTARY AND HAWKEYE, IN OUR ASHES MATCH CENTRE!


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Football world's gone crazy: Wenger

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Financial mockery ... Arsene Wenger slams Real Madrid's bid for Gareth Bale. Source: Stephen Pond / Getty Images

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger claims Real Madrid's bid to sign Gareth Bale from Tottenham for around £85 million ($146 million) would make a mockery of UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules.

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Real are reported to be willing to pay a world record fee, shattering the previous £80 million mark the Spanish giants paid for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009, to lure Wales winger Bale from White Hart Lane.

But Wenger feels such a huge outlay would go completely against the new regulations from European football's governing body, which are aimed at making sure all clubs balance the books, while also curtailing the massive spending of teams like Manchester City and Paris Saint German who have been taken over by wealthy Middle East-based owners.

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"It makes a joke of it. It's quite amazing that in the year where the Financial Fair Play comes in, the football world has gone completely crazy," Wenger said on Friday.

"You wonder what kind of impact and effect it has on the football world. It looks like it has made everybody worse than before."

If Bale does leave Tottenham, it would be something of a boost for Arsenal, who were in direct competition with their north London rivals for a place in the Champions League last season.

But Wenger insists he would not like to see Bale quit the Premier League.

"It is never good to lose a big player," he added.

"He is a British player and I believe it is important that the Premier League keeps the best players."


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Real 'negotiating' for Bale

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 01 Agustus 2013 | 18.49

Real Madrid's pursuit of Gareth Bale could end up costing them a world record transfer fee. Source: Sang Tan / AAP

REAL Madrid are in talks to try to sign Gareth Bale, coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed, amid speculation that the Spaniards could be prepared to break the world transfer record for the highly rated winger.

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"It is difficult to talk about Bale because he is not a Real Madrid player at present," Ancelotti told a news conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening.

"I think the club is negotiating to try to find a solution and we will see what happens," he added according to a report on the club's official website realmadrid.com.

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Bale's club Tottenham Hotspur have faced persistent questions about their star winger, who was voted player of the year last season by his English Premier League peers after scoring 26 goals.

Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas said during the club's pre-season visit to Hong Kong last week that they were in talks with the 24-year-old about a new contract.

But he fuelled speculation by revealing that no deal had been signed yet.

Since then reports have emerged in Britain and Spain that Real were prepared to go well beyond the 80 million pounds ($A137 million) they paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.

Spanish sports daily Marca claimed that Spurs have demanded a fee of 125 million pounds ($A213.6 million) for the player.

Bale spent five hours at Spurs' Enfield training ground north of London on Wednesday and told Villas-Boas that he was keen to join Real, Sky Sports television reported, quoting unnamed sources.

Real are currently in the United States to play in a pre-season tournament involved England's Chelsea, both AC and Inter Milan of Italy, Valencia and Los Angeles Galaxy.


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Aussies win toss, bat in third Test

Australia wins its first toss of the Ashes series, Clarke electing to bat. Source: Stu Forster / Getty Images

MICHAEL Clarke has won his first toss of the series and chose to bat in the third Test at Old Trafford.

Australia has made three changes to the side beaten at Lord's by 347 runs. David Warner replaces Phil Hughes and will bat at six while Mitchell Starc has replaced the injured James Pattinson and off-spinner Nathan Lyon is in for Ashton Agar.
 
England named an unchanged side, resisting the temptation to play Monty Panesar as a second spinner despite his exceptional record at Old Trafford, claiming 25 wickets in just three Tests.


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Live: third Ashes Test, day one

Chris Rogers got off to a flying start early on day one at Old Trafford. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA are playing to keep the Ashes series alive as the third Test against England gets underway at Old Trafford.

We'll bring you all the best reaction and analysis, both from the ground and from around the world via social media.

Join the conversation by leaving a comment in the blog below, or let us know what you think by getting in touch on Twitter, @FoxCricketLive.

If using the comment box in the blog, you can just enter a name where it says 'Display Name', or you can log in using one of your social media accounts. Get involved now!

GET THE ULTIMATE MATCH COMPANION, FEATURING VIDEO OF EVERY WICKET AND BOUNDARY, BALL-BY-BALL COMMENTARY AND HAWKEYE, IN OUR ASHES MATCH CENTRE!


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'This will help our game grow'

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Kevin Kingston was wired-up in a game for Sterlo. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

IS this future of broadcasting rugby league in Australia?

Thanks to Fox Sports' groundbreaking broadcasting tool, fans can live every tackle, try, conversion and pep talk with their favourite players in the NRL, and Matty Johns believes the game will benefit from players being miked-up.

"It is where the game's going and I urge all clubs to do it," Johns said on Sterlo.

"All the guys here at Fox Sports gave the Panthers a list and nothing went to air that would embarrass the club.

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO ABOVE.

"If we're talking about selling the game and bringing more revenue into the game and the game (moving forward), they're some of the things we just have to do."

Fox Sports miked-up Penrith skipper Kevin Kingston for last weekend's round 20 encounter against the Sharks.

Every word that Kingston uttered to his teammates, opponents and referees was recorded by the Fox Sports NRL production team, giving an incredible and unique insight into defensive and attacking tactics, communication and the running of set plays.

The audio and video provides a unique insight into every detail of not just what an NRL player experiences but a captain in the toughest competition in the world.

It's a no-brainer according to Johns, who believes the NRL should take full advantage of the on-field mic and follow in the foot steps of some of the world's biggest sports.

"The NFL have been doing it for a long time, all of their players are miked-up. They don't have the ability to do it during the live game, but they do it during the post-match show," he said.

"If all of a sudden the quarterback starts talking to the tight-end and they put on a special play, they've got the ability after to turn it up and listen to what was said."


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Clarke rejects retirement rumours

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 31 Juli 2013 | 18.49

Michael Clarke insists he won't pull the pin on his Test career any time soon. Picture: Matthew Horwood. Source: Matthew Horwood / News Limited

MICHAEL Clarke insists that a dodgy back and dreadful losing streak will not force him from the game.

The Australian captain has rejected suggestions he may retire at the end of the return series against England next summer, particularly if his body and Australia's performances do not improve.

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"I'm 32 and not 36 so luckily I've got a few years before I have that discussion," Clarke said after training at Old Trafford ahead of the third Test, which begins on Thursday.

The Australians are facing an ugly record. Already with six successive defeats behind them, they want to avoid equalling the greatest losing streak in the country's history, seven consecutive losses from 1885-1888.

"I'm like every other player, you get frustrated that you don't make as many runs as you would like and get frustrated that the team's not having success but that only makes the challenge more exciting," Clarke said.

"I want to help this team have success. I want to make sure I'm leading the way and scoring runs.

"I'm not ready to walk away from cricket. I love the game as much now as I ever have that's for sure. I have no intention to walk away from this game right now.

"I'm in it to achieve all I can as captain of this team and as a player. I feel like my game still has a lot of improvement left in it.


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"As a captain you probably take it more personally when the team doesn't have as much success as you would like, which probably just makes me work harder."

Clarke says he tries not to think about the losing streak, Australia's worst since 1984, when the team lost six on the trot to the then mighty West Indies.

"Losing six Test matches in a row we're not proud of. We definitely don't train for that," he said.

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However Clarke won't be discussing this dismal run with the team.

"That record is irrelevant," he said. "Unfortunately, or fortunately, records are made to be broken. This is one we don't want to break.

"I was part of the team that won 16 in a row, so I guess I'm seeing both sides. But it doesn't put any extra pressure on you as a player.

"The reality is you want to win every time you walk out on to the field. But you have to perform at your best to do that.

"If we don't and we lose this Test match, we'll hold a record that I certainly won't be proud of and I don't think anyone in the current team will be proud of."

Clarke is the only player to score a century during that period while nine have been made against Australia.

"I don't know the answer," he said. "To make big runs you've got to bat plenty of time. You've got to find a way to get through the tough periods and that's what we haven't been able to do.

"When England have bowled well, they've managed to get not just the one wicket but they've got two or three quite quickly and that has put us under the pump."


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Watson, Hughes should open: Vaughan

Michael Vaughan thinks Phil Hughes (L) and Shane Watson (R) should open for Australia. Source: AAP

CHANGE is afoot at the top of Australia's batting order, if former England captain Michael Vaughan is to be believed.

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In an exclusive live online chat, Vaughan revealed he had been hearing whispers that Australia will take a new opening partnership into the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford.

The 2005 Ashes-winning skipper believes Phil Hughes, whose spot is considered to be under real threat from returning bad boy David Warner, should be given another shot as opener at the expense of veteran Chris Rogers.

"I get a sense that Hughes might get given an openers berth for this Test," Vaughan said.

"He's batted at No.5 and No.4 in this series and opened the batting against Sussex.

"He's got talent, but he needs to be told where he's going to bat, and given an extended run there.

"If opening the batting is the best option for him, then he should be put there. You feel it's a bit late for Rogers now. The move up the order for Hughes could be a good one."

However, Vaughan believes Rogers' opening partner for the first two Tests, Shane Watson, needs to remain at the top of the order despite his recent inability to convert good starts into big scores.

"With Watson, his best chance of being successful is at the top of the order," Vaughan said.

"I've heard a whisper that they're going to have a completely new opening partnership, but I' don't think that's the problem - I think it's the middle order that's the real issue.

"They've just got to stick with a few guys for this series."

Vaughan had plenty more advice for the struggling Aussies, including which bowlers they should pick for the notoriously spin-friendly Old Trafford pitch, and what position captain Michael Clarke should bat at.

Read below to see how Michael Vaughan answered our users' questions!


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Video: top five Super Rugby finals

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Joe Roff (L), James Horwill (C) and Victor Matfield have all tasted Super Rugby glory. Source:AAP

THE Chiefs and Brumbies will decide the 2013 Super Rugby season in Hamilton on Saturday in the second trans-Tasman final in three years and eighth overall.

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This will be the 18th Super Rugby final since the competition began with the onset of professionalism in 1996, and it has all the ingredients to be one of the best.

But which of the previous 17 deciders tops the lot?

Blues v Crusaders, 1998

This year's losing semi-finalists, the Crusaders, and the inaugural champions, the Blues, played out the pick of the finals in the early years when they met in the 1998.

After claiming back-to-back titles in 96 and 97, the Blues were chasing a hat-trick of crowns when they welcomed their great south island rivals to Eden Park.

In a gripping encounter that saw just the three tries, Crusaders winger James Kerr broke a 13-all deadlock with a five-pointer after the Blues failed to deal with an ordinary Andrew Mehrtens kick.

Brumbies v Crusaders, 2004

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Six years later, the Crusaders travelled to Canberra in search of their fifth title after establishing themselves as the competition's dominant outfit.

The two sides had met in both the 2000 and 2002 deciders with Robbie Deans's side emerging victorious in both. But right from the early minutes it was obvious the 2004 final wouldn't boast a similar script.

The hosts turned on a brilliant first half to all but lock up the match at half-time with winger Mark Gerrard scoring a hat-trick and George Smith showing off all his skills.

The biggest cheer however, was reserved for legendary Brumbies winger Joe Roff who touched down to break Christian Cullen's try-scoring record.

Sharks v Bulls, 2007

Which Super Rugby decider is your favourite?

It took 11 years for the first all-South African final to occur but the Bulls and Sharks certainly didn't disappoint when they met in the 2007 decider.

No franchise from the Republic had tasted Super Rugby glory beforehand and the two sides went hammer and tong at each other for the full 80 minutes.

After an absorbing battle at a packed ABSA Stadium, it was the Bulls who would etch their names in South African rugby folklore – the visitors claiming the match in dramatic circumstances with an injury-time try to Springboks winger Bryan Habana.

Bulls v Chiefs, 2009

While it wasn't one of the classic deciders, the Bulls' 44-point hammering of the Chiefs in Pretoria certainly was a memorable one.

After conceding the game's first try the Bulls ran wild over their travel-weary opponents to put the game out of reach at the break.

The hosts didn't let up after half-time either as they piled on four more tries to register a thumping 61-17 victory and secure their second crown.

Reds v Crusaders, 2011

After countless years in the doldrums, Queensland Reds finally burst into life under Ewen McKenzie. They may have narrowly missed the finals in the now Wallabies coach's first season in charge, but there would be no stopping them in 2011.

The Reds did have to go through seven-time champions the Crusaders, however, and it took a piece of Will Genia brilliance for them to lift the trophy.

In one of the great halfback tries ever seen, Genia ran 65 metres beating a bunch of Crusaders along the way to spearhead the Reds to an 18-13 triumph.


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Warner to return for third Test

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David Warner received some good news from chief selector John Inverarity in Manchester. Source:AP

DAVID Warner will make his return to Test cricket in the third Test at Old Trafford, beginning on Thursday.

The dynamic left-hander's blazing 193 for Australia A last week has convinced selectors that he has the form to justify being chosen, probably ahead of an unlucky Phil Hughes if Steve Smith proves his fitness after suffering a stiff back.

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Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon also look set to play, with Starc replacing the injured James Pattinson and Lyon ahead of a struggling Ashton Agar.

Starc was unlucky to be dropped after claiming five wickets in the first Test at Trent Bridge and Lyon was overlooked for the dramatic debut of the 19-year-old Agar.

Warner brings an X-factor the Australians desperately need. Already 2-0 down in the series because of terrible batting, Warner is the closest person to a saviour the Australians have to call on.

He was pencilled in to bat at number six before the start of the series but his month-long suspension for punching England's Joe Root in a Birmingham bar during the Champions Trophy left Warner with no lead-up form.

It would also have been a bad message for him to come straight back into the side.


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However Australia has batted so poorly in the first innings of the opening two Tests, collapsing to 9-117 at Trent Bridge before being rescued by a spectacular 98 from Agar and being bowled out for just 128 at Lord's, losing by 347 runs.

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Warner has a batting average of 39 in 19 Tests with three centuries.

Just as importantly he has a strike rate of 70 and can take a Test away from the opposition in a session when in full flight.

Warner has played all his previous Tests as an opening batsman but there are concerns about him playing the moving ball in England.

He batted at number four in the Australia A line-up.

The Ashes squad is stacked with top order players, which has forced Hughes, usually an opening batsman, to play everywhere from number one to six in the batting line-up during the five first-class matches he has played on tour.

He is Australia's leading first-class run scorer on this tour with 436 runs at 62.

Usman Khawaja is expected to keep his place after top-scoring for Australia at Lord's with a three-hour 54 in the second innings.

Likely team: Shane Watson, Chris Rogers, Usman Khawaja, Michael Clarke (c), Steve Smith/Phil Hughes, David Warner, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon.


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Hird denies fresh drugs saga claims

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 30 Juli 2013 | 18.49

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Denials ... Essendon's supplement plans allegedly "black ops". Source: Jake Nowakowski / News Limited

JAMES Hird faces fresh allegations over the drugs saga, this time that he was part of a discussion over whether the club's supplement operation should be "black ops''.

The Bombers fiercely rejected the claims made by former high performance manager Dean Robinson.

Hird and football boss Danny Corcoran were linked to the discussion, claimed to have included former sports scientist Stephen Dank.

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Robinson has claimed in an interview with Channel Seven, to be broadcast in full on Wednesday: "Stephen Dank said: 'What you are asking me to do is black ops'."

The Bombers hit back at the claims tonight, saying: "As has previously been stated, James Hird emphasised that the supplements program run by Stephen Dank and Dean Robinson must be legal according to WADA and the AFL, must be approved by the club doctor, must be given with the consent of the player and must not harm the player,'' the Bombers said.

"James Hird and Danny Corcoran never said the program should be run as a 'black op'.

"This is nonsense and categorically rejected by the club. This assertion is slanderous.''

Dank has not commented publicly on whether Robinson's memory of the conversation is accurate. He has consistently denied he ever administered banned substances to players.

Robinson who was stood down by Essendon in February when the Bombers "self-reported'' with concerns about its sports science program in 2012 resigned from the club last Friday.

"I'm in tears, I'm shaking." He said of the moment when he was moved out.

And he lashed out at his treatment by the club in the interview, saying: "The worst thing is walking in and seeing my kids and realising everything I've worked for, everything I tried to do for my family - Essendon is targeting me."

Robinson is reportedly set to take legal action against the club.

Robinson's departure followed that of other key players in the Essendon investigation.

Sports scientist Dank and former football department boss Paul Hamilton went last year; while former CEO Ian Robson resigned in May this year.

Robinson's later resignation came just a day before David Evans stood down as chairman.

Evans' decision followed revelations in the Herald Sun last week that Evans and Hird were at odds over the contents of a phone conversation between Evans and league boss Andrew Demetriou the night before Essendon came forward.

New chairman Paul Little said on Monday night that Essendon was "ramping up both our legal advisory input and also our PR input to make sure that the club is represented in the best possible way''.

"We can't and nor do we need to change any of the strategies that are in place,'' Little said of Essendon's handling of the investigation.

"The board and the club remain very united about how we should approach the challenges of the investigation that we currently have in front of us.''

Little gave Hird his full backing.

"James Hird has also got not only my full and complete support but the board's full support and we look forward to James taking us into a successful finals campaign,'' he said.

Robinson is understood to have been paid for the interview.


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Gallen returns from foot injury

Paul Gallen returns to the Cronulla Sharks side from injury. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

CRONULLA skipper Paul Gallen makes his long awaited return to the Sharks side in Saturday's clash with the Warriors.

Gallen has played only once since round eight thanks to a knee and foot injury, plus a suspension.

His last match for the Sharks was in round 14, making Saturday's encounter as the first game the lock forward has played since injuring his foot in State of Origin game two.

With Gallen added to the 17-man squad, Tyrone Peachey drops back to be 18th man however he will travel to Auckland with the team on Friday.

Meanwhile, Parramatta's Chris Sandow was signed to great fanfare on a contract worth $550,000 a year - but  now finds himself behind a player unwanted by the NRL strugglers in the Eels halfback pecking order.

Sandow is into the second season of a four-year deal with the Eels, who he joined from South Sydney, but will once again run out for Wentworthville in the NSW Cup this week against the Vulcans in Auckland.

This is despite an injury to Luke Kelly with the halfback role being filled by Ben Roberts, one of 11 players told by coach Ricky Stuart he would be leaving the club at the end of the year.

Former Bulldogs playmaker Roberts will wear the No.7 jumper against Manly with rookie Api Pewhairangi being promoted to first grade from the Magpies side to play five-eighth.

The Eels are looking to avoid a 10th straight loss to their bitter rivals, with the game having the added spice of Steve Matai and Mitchell Allgood going head to head for the first time since their brawl earlier this month at Brookvale Oval.

That game saw Eels prop Allgood sent off for punching Matai, with the New Zealand centre vowing to get revenge on the 24-year-old at Parramatta Stadium.

South Sydney young gun Luke Keary is once again named on an extended bench for the ladder leaders after his two-try salvo off the bench against the Gold Coast on Saturday.

The young playmaker is named on an extended bench with veteran Matt King keeping his spot in the side after a brilliant return to action against the Titans following almost a year on the sidelines with a badly broken arm.

The former NSW star is still mulling over his future but said the prospect of winning a premiership forced him to keep playing.

"This might be a bit of a selfish answer but, if we were coming dead last, I don't know if I would have had the motivation to come back to play a few games and get the wooden spoon," King said.

"The fact the boys are playing awesome and I was a chance of being a part of that, it makes running up and down hills and getting up out of bed at 6am to do weights a lot easier."

Newcastle must do without former representative props Willie Mason and Kade Snowden for the home clash with Brisbane at Hunter Stadium after Mason was ruled out for a month with a broken cheekbone.

Snowden is suspended so David Fa'alogo and Zane Tetevano will make up the Knights front-row in a game both sides must win to keep alive finals aspirations.

Sonny Bill Williams is out for the Sydney Roosters after taking the early guilty plea ahead of Friday's clash with Penrith.

Mitch Aubusson comes into the starting line-up in place of the Kiwi superstar.

Finally, at least North Queensland coach Neil Henry could see the funny side of ex-Queensland lock Dallas Johnson's NRL career being ended by a knee injury.

Henry has not had much to laugh about since being told he will not be required next year after the Cowboys' NRL finals hopes were all but extinguished by last round's 18-16 loss to Brisbane.

However, he still couldn't help break into an ironic chuckle when confirming Johnson had suffered a serious knee injury against the Broncos and would not play again.

Johnson had announced just last week that he would retire at the end of the NRL season.

But his farewell was brought forward six weeks after tearing an anterior cruciate ligament falling awkwardly in a tackle on Friday night - hardly a fitting swansong for one of league's hardest players.

"It's ironic that a guy who plays such a physical game has done his knee in a real innocuous situation," Henry said.

"He has been hit from behind and fallen over someone - not a big collision by charging into a defender or carrying the ball.

"He is obviously very distressed about it, he just loves playing footy.

"Everyone likes to go out on their own terms and that has been taken away from him.

"Our thoughts are with him but the facts are he's done."


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Wingers are better than ever

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Wests Tigers David Nofoaluma scores a try during the round 20 game between the Wests Tigers and Manly. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

THE NRL's decision to take the corner post out of play has seen the standard of the game's wingers reach an entirely new level, according to Wendell Sailor.

In June of 2010 the NRL made the decision amend the rules regarding player contact with the corner post. 

Thanks to the change, players don't have to avoid the post when attempting to score a try compared to the previous rules, which would see contact resulting in a 20-metre restart being awarded.

Sailor believes the rule change is a major reason why Wests Tigers winger David Nofoaluma was able to create a try that is poised to feature on the highlight reels for years to come.

He also says NRL wingers are more athletic and powerful than ever before.

"The standards of wingers have gone over and above. One thing these wingers do now is they take it to a whole new level," Sailor said. 

"Their bodies outside the touch line, the way they can bend their bodies like a contortionist... I have no doubt it helps with the corner post no longer being out. That has them confident enough to try it.

"It is one of those things you can't practice, but it's a skill and they are securing it at the right time."

Nofoaluma's try against Manly on Monday night is a result of confidence and while Sailor says freakish finishes like that one are becoming "the norm" he still finds himself left breathless by some of the stunning pieces of play.

"I was sitting there going, 'No he didn't score that, you can't do that!' It's great to watch," Sailor said.

"I've been watching Blake Ferguson do that, Kalifa Faifai Loa - it's the acceptable thing, you're kind of shocked if a winger doesn't score like that."

And it's not just Nofoaluma.  Sailor says the talent pool of youth breaking into first grade continues to impress as a result of self-belief. 

"At training we don't coach the boys in juniors of first grade practising jumping the corner, that is just natural ability and instinct," he said. 

"These young guys just go from strength to strength. Nothing fazes them. They are just so confident and I think it is their generation."


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Smith in doubt for third Test

Steve Smith ... must prove his fitness ahead of the Old Trafford Test. Source: Jon Super / AAP

STEVE Smith has been unable to train because of a stiff back and is in doubt for the third Test at Old Trafford, beginning on Thursday.

He must prove his fitness at practice on Wednesday to ensure his selection as the competition for batting places intensifies following the return of David Warner to the squad.
 
Team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris is hopeful Smith will be able to play.
 
"He was very stiff after the game against Sussex but has improved today and I expect him to improve again tomorrow," Kountouris.
 
"We're hopefully he'll be able to train tomorrow and be right to play."
 
Smith, 24, has a history of back problems but has rarely missed matches as a result.
 
He scored an unbeaten century in the three-day game against Sussex, which ended in a draw on Sunday, to shore up his place in the Test team.
 
While Smith and Phil Hughes both failed twice during Australia's dreadful 347-run second Test loss at Lord's, Smith claimed four wickets for the match with his part time leg-spinners.
 
The Old Trafford pitch is already a largely grassless strip and is expected to continue its tradition of helping spin bowling.
 
It is by far Monty Panesar's best ground, with 25 wickets in just three Tests. The left arm spinner has been included as part of England's 14-man squad.
 
With Warner expected to return in the middle order Hughes is the play most under presser to retain his place despite scoring 81 not out in the first Test at Trent Bridge, one of his best Test innings.
 
his scores since have been 0, 1 and 1, although Hughes is Australia's leading first class run maker on tour, with 436 runs at an average of 62.
 
He has reached 50 five times, more than any other player on tour, but has failed to turn any of them into hundreds.
 
The Australians have managed just three first class centuries on tour, to Shane Watson, Michael Clarke and Smith.
 
The highest scorer in the Test series remains Ashton Agar, who made 98 batting at number 11 on debut in Nottingham.
 
With Watson and Chris Rogers being rested from the Sussex game and given time in London to train at Lord's they appear certain to remain the team's openers for this Test at least, despite both averaging in the 20s during this series.
 
And Usman Khawaja is expected to be given another chance at number three after top-scoring at for Australia at Lord's, when he batted for three hours in the second innings to make 54.
 
Ed Cowan made 66 and 77 not out against Sussex but is unlikely to regain his place after being dropped following the first Test.
 
Hughes may also struggle to hold his place unless Smith is ruled out.


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Sick Seebohm focuses on backstroke

Written By Unknown on Senin, 29 Juli 2013 | 18.48

Emily Seebohm reacts after the her 100m backstroke heat at the FINA World Championships in Barcelona. Picture: Adam Pretty Source: Adam Pretty / Getty Images

EMILY Seebohm has revealed she has been struggling with illness and asthma as she confirmed she had withdrawn from the 200m medley final to focus on her preferred 100m backstroke event.

Seebohm eased her way through her 100m backstroke heats in 1:00.02, securing fifth place for the semi-final (early Tuesday morning AEST) as teammate Belinda Hocking placed ninth in 1:00.39.

For Seebohm though it was almost two seconds slower than her Olympic heat time of 58.23s, and she couldn't be happier.

She got slower throughout her event in London last year, but is determined to peak for the final this time around and build her races.

But with recent minor illness issues Seebohm decided to withdraw from the medley final, for which she was sixth fastest qualifier, to avoid risking excess fatigue the night before a backstroke final.

"I'm not really at my 100 per cent at the moment. I'm struggling a little bit with sickness which isn't unusual for me but when I've got two pretty tough races back to back it's hard to make that call when you want to do it but you know if you do it it could affect you in the one you really want to do well in," Seebohm said.

"It's just something that's more annoying than anything but I don't know how it will affect you the following day.

"I'm a little bit disappointed that I can't swim the IM but you know I've got to do what I can to get to where I need to be in the 100 back."

Sacrificing a spot in the final for the pursuit of gold is a smart play by Seebohm as she looks to make amends for last year's Olympic disappointment when she was narrowly beaten to gold by US star Missy Franklin.

Franklin was fastest qualifier on Monday in 59.13s, but then waited on pool deck to watch Seebohm as if expecting another round of heat fireworks.

But Seebohm has learned her lesson from 2012 and is prepared to keep her cards close to her chest until the final.

"My goal is to go faster each swim so that's a slowish start for me so hopefully that works out a bit better," she said.

"It probably didn't feel as easy as it looked but you know it was nice to just focus on the race and not have to worry about killing myself to make it through.

"It's all about just making it through. I don't need to be in lane four, that's not where I need to be, I just need to be in the field and get through and go faster.

"It wasn't as easy as that 58 I did in the heat of the Olympics, nothing felt that good. But you know it was on the way there and I've just got to clean up my skills a bit, my skills were a bit average.

"But otherwise I've got to keep going through and keep getting faster."

In the men's event Ashley Delaney enjoyed his first swim in Australian team colours since the 2011 world titles with a 53.60s heat time to qualify fastest for the men's 100m backstroke semi-finals.

Delaney's time was faster than what he produced at the selection trials in May to qualify for the team.

Rising star Cameron McEvoy set himself up for a crack in the 200m freestyle, posting the fifth fastest time of the heats in 1:47.34 as teammate Thomas Fraser-Holmes survived an anxious wait to qualify 12th in 1:48.05.

"It's always hard backing up, I felt a little cold, a little stiff but that was as expected," McEvoy said after a strong individual swim in last night's 4x100m freestyle relay final.

"I tried to do the best race I could and get through the next round."

Fraser-Holmes, an Olympic finalist last year, was fifth in his heat and then had to watch two more heats of 10 swimmers before securing a spot in the top 16.

"Yeah that wasn't very good was it," Fraser-Holmes said.

"It's a lane and tonight I just have to fire up. I'm not hurting or anything, it was all over in a second and I was like `What was that?' It was not very good."

Breaststrokers Sally Foster (1:07.59) and Samantha Marshall (1:08.33) qualified in ninth and 15th position for the 100m semi-finals (early Tuesday morning AEST) as Olympic champion Ruta Meilutyte stamped herself the one to watch with a 1:04.52 heat swim, just 0.07s off a world record set in the supersuit era.

The final event of the morning saw 14-year-old Chelsea Gubecka, who swam the 10km open water last week, swim the women's 1500m freestyle and finish 13th in a new personal best time of 16:21.82.


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Warner no Test certainty: Lehmann

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David Warner has returned to form for Australia A in South Africa. Source:Getty Images

DARREN Lehmann claims David Warner has not secured his Test place despite scoring a blazing 193 for Australia A.

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And the new Australian coach suggested Phil Hughes and Ed Cowan may have done themselves as much harm as good by failing to turn half centuries into big hundreds.
 
Lehmann has again implored his players to press on and make big hundreds as Australia prepares for the third Test at Old Trafford, beginning on Thursday.
 
"He's not a certainly no," Lehmann said of Warner, who has rejoined the Ashes tour after returning from Africa.
 
"He got 193 and played well, did exactly what we wanted him to do. We want blokes to make hundreds and he's ticked that box.
 
"Again we'll have to look at the wicket and we come up with the top six."

For a team that's having dreadful batting woes, which were brutally exposed with a 347-run second Test defeat at Lord's, the players making the most runs could miss out in Manchester.
 
Hughes is the leading first class run scorer on tour with 436 at 62, having made 84 and 38 in the just completed three-day match against Sussex opening the batting and then playing at number three.
 
And Cowan made 66 and 77 not out opening the batting but had already been dropped for the second Test and appears unlikely to regain his place.
 
Hughes appears to be under the most pressure to stay in the side following Warner's return after making just 1 and 1 at Lord's but his 81 not out in the first Test at Trent Bridge was one of his best Test innings.
 
Steve Smith appears to have shored up his position with an unbeaten hundred against Sussex following four wickets with his occasional leg-spinners at Lord's.

Australian coach Darren Lehmann hopes Ashton Agar will take more wickets in the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford. Source: Getty Images


 
Usman Khawaja scored just 40 and 1 in the tour match but he was the highest scorer in a dismal second Test batting performance, battling for three hours to make 54, and seems certain to get another chance at number three.
 
"I would have liked them both to make big hundreds," Lehmann said of Hughes and Cowan.
 
"When you get in that scenario you should be making big hundreds but they know that, we spoke about that. But they played well and got through some tough times.
 
Old Trafford is expected to help the spinners but Nathan Lyon and Ashton Agar claimed just one wicket each against Sussex.
 
"I don't mind spinners getting hit for boundaries off good balls," Lehmann said. "I thought Ash bowled okay but he could have bowled better, Nathan could have bowled better at stages as well.
 
"That's is the case on a good wicket that doesn't turn much, that that can happen to spinners.
 
"For a 19-year-old he (Agar) has been outstanding. He is a good young man. We'd love him to get more wickets. That might be next week.
 
"I was impressed with the way he bowled at Notts (in the first Test). I thought he bowled quite well.
 
"He had a problem with his hip in the second Test match and struggled through that. But he knows he didn't bowl well enough, not the standard we're after, so he needs to get it right pretty quickly."
 
Darren Lehmann has had his say, now it's your turn! 
Pick your side for the third Ashes Test here!
 
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Video: Guardiola's feisty Pep talk

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Pep Guardiola slapped new signing Thiago during a pre-game team talk. Source:AAP

New Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola greeted star signing Thiago Alcantara into the fold in an unconventional manner - slapping him in the face during a team talk.

Thiago moved from Barcelona during the off-season, with Guardiloa's presence given as the reason he chose the European champs over Manchester United.

But as Bayern slipped to 4-2 German Super Cup loss to rivals Borussia Dortmund, Thiago bore the brunt of the coach's wrath after the team conceded twice in two minutes.

Watch video of the incident at the top of this page.


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Sea Eagles soar as Tiger flies

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Freakish try ... David Nofoaluma flies as the Sea Eagles soar. Source: Fox Sports / FoxSports

YES, South Sydney are certainly the team to beat this year. The mighty Roosters are ready to rock too.

3

Tries

6

David Nofoaluma 11' Justin Horo 6'
Robbie Farah 55' Steve Matai 16'
Tim Simona 60' Jamie Lyon 30'
Jamie Lyon 48'
Justin Horo 53'
Daly Cherry-Evans 74'

3

Conversions

5

Benji Marshall 12' Jamie Lyon 7'
Benji Marshall 56' Jamie Lyon 32'
Benji Marshall 61' Jamie Lyon 49'
Jamie Lyon 54'
Jamie Lyon 75'

0

Penalties

1

Jamie Lyon 70'

A historic Rabbitohs-Roosters grand final looms for rugby league.

Yet fans in Sydney's east shouldn't get too excited just yet. The team they love to hate - Manly-Warringah - is back again, just as they have been for the past nine years.

The Sea Eagles love September. They have played in every finals series since 2005.

And it may just be that Manly ruins the promoters dream of a South Sydney-Roosters decider.


Re-live all the action in Match Centre, featuring detailed stats and match tracker!


A 36-18 win over Wests Tigers at Campbelltown last night pushed Manly above Melbourne and into third place on the NRL premiership table.

Many tipped Manly's demise when former coach Des Hasler walked away.

Geoff Toovey has done an exceptional job since, taking the Sea Eagles to within one game of a grand final last year with his side ready for another full-blown tilt this season.

Manly had Wests Tigers covered in every area last night.

Five-eighth Kieran Foran was exceptional, setting up three tries. He slaughtered Benji Marshall in the individual Kiwi match-up at five-eighth.

Skipper Jamie Lyon scored two tries and kicked six goals for an individual tally of 20 points.

Manly is all class. Never write them off in September.

The Sea Eagles scored two tries after half-time last night to lead 22-6 and kill-off any Wests Tigers fight back.

Mistakes killed Wests Tigers - and two veterans were the worst offenders.

Benji Marshall and Braith Anasta were guilty of numerous blunders, most gifting Manly tries.

Although he scored a try, Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah had a miserable 200th NRL game on Monday night.


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