Super Rugby pre-season matches

Daffy Jaffy

The Western Force have kicked off their 2016 Super Rugby pre-season with a 28-0 victory over a young Hurricanes side at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford.
The Force outscored last season's Super Rugby Grand finalists by four tries to none in the match.
The result is will be a big boost for the Force as they played for six minutes in the second half with 13 players as Steve Mafi was yellow carded in the 48th minute and four minutes later Kane Koteka was binned.
The Force started with a bang and showed great persistence in defence holding the 2015 Asteron Life Super Rugby grand finalists scoreless throughout the match.
It took the Western Australian side five minutes to get on the score board through big man Adam Coleman, after a series of fantastic offloads from Steve Mafi and Ian Prior.
Adam crashed over just left of the posts for the first try of the game. Peter Grant made easy work of the conversion and the Force took an early 7-0 lead.
The Hurricanes then put together a number of solid phases, that placed them on the five-metre line, but the Force defence was exceptional, with Dane Haylett-Petty putting a huge shot on rival fullback Jason Woodward, which caused a knock on.
With the match being played in 20-minute quarters, the Force went into the first quarter with a 7-0 lead. The Western Force defence was superb in the first quarter, with the Hurricanes unable to penetrate the line.
The start of the second quarter saw a trademark breakdown steal from Steve Mafi, which led to a swift chip and chase from outside centre Marcel Brache, putting the Force inside the 22.
Dane Haylett-Petty&'s defence was again exceptional in the 25th minute, timing his tackle to perfection and causing another knock on. As well as another cracking tackle right on the stroke of half time.
With neither team damaging the scoreboard in the second quarter, the Force went into the sheds with a 7-0 lead. Solid performances in defence from both teams was the key, with both struggling to finish off strong sets of phases.
The second half saw the Force make a host of changes to their starting team, with Semisi Masirewa, Heath Tessmann, Ross Haylett-Petty, and Kane Koteka all injected into the second half of the game.
After a relentless set of phase play from the Hurricanes in the first 10 minutes, the Force were under immense pressure, which led to Steve Mafi being sent to the bin after repeat offences. Not five minutes later young flanker Kane Koteka was also sent to the bin, and the Force were left with 13 men on the pitch.
The Force went on the attack despite the two-man deficit and pushed hard for their try line.
Steve Mafi stepped back on the field and had an immediate impact scoring off the back of a Force lineout on the stoke of three-quarter time. Jono Lance converted and the Force took a 14-point lead into the last quarter.
Four minutes into the last quarter and after an errand pass from the Hurricanes, Chris Alcock pounced on the loose ball and shot down the field. After an offload to first gamer Richard Hardwick, the Force flicked a pass wide to new recruit Semisi Masirewa, who then stepped three Hurricanes players and dotted down for a great team try.
Lance once again added the extras and the Force went 21-0 up with 15 minutes to play.
The men from the West struck again in the 75th minute, after a strong line break from Chris Alcock, who ran the ball inches away from the line. The ball was quickly pushed out to the left and after a superb offload from Jono Lance to Ammon Matuauto the Force went over for their fourth try. Lance had no trouble with the conversion, taking the score to 28-0.
That would be the final score line despite a last minute attack from the Hurricanes, but the Force managed to withstand the assault and come away with a strong first up victory.
The Western Force''s next and final pre-season match is next Saturday, 13 February against the Asia Pacific Dragons at McGillivray Oval. Kicking off at 5pm (AWST).
Final Score Western Force 28 Hurricanes 0 
Teams 
Western Force (Team):
1. Pek Cowan (C), 2. Nathan Charles, 3. Guy Millar, 4. Steve Mafi, 5. Adam Coleman, 6. Brynard Stander, 7. Chris Alcock, 8. Angus Cottrell, 9. Ian Prior, 10. Peter Grant, 11. Albert Nikoro, 12. Kyle Godwin, 13. Marcel Brache, 14. Luke Morahan, 15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves, 16. Heath Tessmann, 17. Chris Heiberg, 18. Jermaine Ainsley, 19. Rory Walton, 20. Ross Haylett-Petty, 21. Richard Hardwick, 22. Kane Koteka, 23. Ryan Louwrens, 24. Jono Lance, 25. Onehunga Havili, 26. Ammon Matuauto, 27. Semisi Masirewa, 28. Maalonga Konelio
Hurricanes (Squad):
Jason Woodward, Matt Proctor, Pita Ahki, Willis Halaholo, Wes Goosen, Otere Black, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Blade Thomson, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields (c), Mark Abbott, Vaea Fifita, Jeff Toomaga-Allen,Motu Matu'u, Reg Goodes, Leni Apisai, Loni Uhila, Ben May, Hisa Sasagi, Chris Eves, Michael Fatialofa, James Blackwell, Tony Lamborn, Frae Wilson, Malo Tuitama, Peter Umaga-Jensen

Stargazer

<div>Crusaders team to play the Queensland Reds in their first preseason game on Saturday, 6 February, 10.30pm (Ballymore Stadium):</div>
<div> </div>
<div>1. Alex Hodgman; 2. Ged Robinson* 3. Mike Alaalatoa* 4. Luke Romano; 5. Scott Barrett; 6. Jimmy Tupou (c); 7. Tim Boys* 8. Jordan Taufua; </div>
<div>9. Leon Fukofuka** 10. Ben Volavola* 11. Sione Fifita** 12. David Havili; 13. Sean Wainui** 14. Jone Macilai; 15. Marty McKenzie*</div>
<div> </div>
<div>RESERVES</div>
<div>Codie Taylor</div>
<div>Ben Funnell</div>
<div>Joe Moody</div>
<div>Oliver Jager **</div>
<div>Samuel Whitelock</div>
<div>Mitchell Dunshea **</div>
<div>Reed Prinsep **</div>
<div>Mitchell Drummond</div>
<div>Richie Moâ€™unga *</div>
<div>Kieron Fonotia</div>
<div>Mitchell Hunt </div>
<div>Johnny McNicholl</div>
<div>Nemani Nadolo</div>
<div> </div>
<div> indicates no BNZ Crusaders caps</div>
<div> indicates no Super Rugby caps</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://crusaders.co.nz/news/902-bnz-crusaders-team-named-for-pre-season-game-against-reds'>http://crusaders.co.nz/news/902-bnz-crusaders-team-named-for-pre-season-game-against-reds</a></div>

Dice

Looks like Boyd has given up on the Canes like he did with the Lions. He's had his one good season and has now shut up shop 
 
In all seriousness, I'm surprised that that Canes team had no points in them. The line-up is pretty young but there's some good firepower in it.

Chris B.

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Daffy Jaffy" data-cid="556246" data-time="1454496145">
<div>
 ...holding the 2015 Asteron Life Super Rugby grand finalists scoreless....
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Marketing encourages some strange things. I've honestly never heard of Asteron Life.
 
I wonder if I could get a sponsor?
 
"Durex Condoms Chris B." has a certain "ring" to it.

taniwharugby

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="556371" data-time="1454556836">
<div>
Marketing encourages some strange things. I've honestly never heard of Asteron Life.
 
I wonder if I could get a sponsor?
 
"Durex Condoms Chris B." has a certain "ring" to it.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Just cos they are sponsored by Asteron Life, doesn't mean they use the 'product/service' so your sponsor may not be of assistance to you! ;)

Frye

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="556368" data-time="1454555552">
Looks like Boyd has given up on the Canes like he did with the Lions. He's had his one good season and has now shut up shop 
In all seriousness, I'm surprised that that Canes team had no points in them. The line-up is pretty young but there's some good firepower in it.</blockquote>
 
Agreed. Sure they were missing a few All Blacks but it's hardly as if that Force side was stacked with talent either. 
Boyd.....

Higgins

A result like that is staggering considering how crap the Force were last season. It is only pre-season and we don't really know how far along the "pre-season" path each team was but hell you'd expect professional rugby players being paid a minimum of $75000.00 to be able to conjure up at least one off the cuff try even if they had been concentrating 100% solely on defensive structures so far. Clearly the defensive side of things also has not had too much time allocated to it so what have they been doing?

Tim

The Blues twitter feed has live scoring from the match.
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://twitter.com/BluesRugbyTeam'>https://twitter.com/BluesRugbyTeam</a>
 
Blues up 7-0 after 10 mins.

Tim

Blues up 26 - 7, was 14 - 7 at halftime.

Tim

Ranger scores in his comeback game. 33 - 7.
 
McGahan seems to have played the whole game at 1st five so far.

taniwharugby

I saw on the news Piers Francis could be gone for the season?

Billy Tell

If there is one thing history shows it's that these pre-season matches have zero bearing on how the season will pan out. People thinking the Force could be onto something or the Canes have a long season ahead of them are likely to be a bit surprised.

taniwharugby

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="556393" data-time="1454566353">
<div>
If there is one thing history shows it's that these pre-season matches have zero bearing on how the season will pan out. 
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Lucky cos Blues fans might start getting optimistic....

leytonandamanda

52-7 now wow good start for umaga's men 
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KiwiMurph

59-7 final score. I agree this all doesn't mean much at all - but i'd rather win 59-7 than lose 59-7 in Umaga's first match - attempted culture change and all that jazz.

taniwharugby

3 Northland lads on the score sheet too

leytonandamanda

59-7 final score 
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Stargazer

The Brumbies v Waratahs preseason clash on Saturday (9.00pm NZ time) will be livestreamed here: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.brumbies.com.au/brumbies-v-waratahs-2016-live-stream'>https://www.brumbies.com.au/brumbies-v-waratahs-2016-live-stream</a>
 
Apparently, it's geoblocked and only meant for Australian viewers. If you want to watch anyway, there are ways around geoblocking. Send me a private message if you want to find out how.
 
 
Brumbies squad
1. Allan Alaalatoa 2. Josh Mann-Rea 3. Ben Alexander 4. Tom Staniforth 5. Sam Carter 6. Jordan Smiler 7. Jarrad Butler 8. Ita Vaea
9. TomÃ¡s Cubelli 10. Matt Toomua 11. Nigel Ah Wong 12. Jordan Jackson-Hope 13. Andrew Smith 14. Lausii Taliauli 15. Aidan Toua
 
RESERVES
16. Albert Anae 17. Robbie Abel 18. Leslie Leuluaiâ€™aliâ€™i-Makin 19. Ruan Smith 20. Rory Arnold 21. Blake Enever 22. Ben Hyne 23. Michael Wells 24. Joe Powell 25. Michael Dowsett 26. Nick Jooste 27. Joe Tomane 28. Jake Rakic 29. Tevita Kuridrani 30. James Dargaville 31. Isaac Thompson
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.brumbies.com.au/2015-16-season/brumbies-team-to-play-nsw-waratahs-in-wagga-trial'>https://www.brumbies.com.au/2015-16-season/brumbies-team-to-play-nsw-waratahs-in-wagga-trial</a>
 
Waratahs squad
1. Jeremy Tilse 2. Hugh Roach 3. Paddy Ryan 4. Ned Hanigan 5. Will Skelton 6. David Dennis (C) 7. Jack Dempsey 8. Jed Holloway
9. Jake Gordon 10. Andrew Deegan 11. Andrew Kellaway 12. David Horwitz 13. Matt Carraro 14. Reece Robinson 15. Zac Guildford
 
Reserves:
16. Tolu Latu 17. Benn Robinson 18. Angus Taâ€™avao 19. Matt Sandell 20. Senio Toleafoa 21. Matt Lucas 22. Harry Jones 23. Bryce Hegarty 24. Brad Wilkin 25. Cameron Orr 26. Rowan Perry
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.waratahs.com.au/Waratahs/News/NewsArticle/tabid/157/ArticleID/17057/NSW-Waratahs-team-announced-for-away-trial-against-the-Brumbies.aspx'>http://www.waratahs.com.au/Waratahs/News/NewsArticle/tabid/157/ArticleID/17057/NSW-Waratahs-team-announced-for-away-trial-against-the-Brumbies.aspx</a>

Crucial

Highlanders to play Racing Metro in Hong Kong
 
Matt Faddes, Waisake Naholo, Jason Emery, Richard Buckman, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Josh Renton, Liam Squire, Shane Christie, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Tom Franklin, Josh Hohneck, Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Brendon Edmonds, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Jackson Hemopo, Sio Tomkinson, Liam Howley, Malakai Fekitoa, Tei Walden, Ryan Tongia, Marty Banks, Luke Whitelock, James Lentjes, Mark Reddish.
 
Game is going to be on Sky Sport2 at 10pm Saturday night

Daffy Jaffy

The Blues team that started and played most of the first half was:
1. Waa
2. Moulds
3. Mafeleo
4. Scrafton
5. Marinor
6. Ram
7. Mattich
8. Edwards
9. Guyton
10. McGahan
11. Li
12. Francis
13. Little
14. Visinia
15. Duffie
 A few Subs were rolled on in the second 1/4 and Francis was taken off injured. Despite little possession or territory they competed well, bettered a more experienced scrum and looked the more dangerous side. They only conceded a try after a yellow card and several scrums rucks and penalties close to the line. Defense was excellent through the whole game.
Little was excellent and Edwards, Scrafton, Mattich and Ram were the best of the forwards. 
The second half starting team plus last 1/4 subs was at a whole different level of class, power and experience.
 
1. Prattley/wWaa
2. Parsons/Macdonald
3. Tungaafasi
4. Tuipulotu/Matenga
5. Bekhuis
6. Luatua/Tuipuotu
7. Ram/Mattich
8. Kaino/Luatua
9. Nock/Hall
10. Mcgahan/West
11. Li/Duffie
12. Moala
13. Ranger
14. Nanai
15 Trainer/Visinia
Moala and Ranger caused havoc. Nanai was a constant threat and sparked many of the best attacks.Tuipolotu and Matt Mattich were the best of the forwards.
Generally the set piece and defense were very good, only at the breakdown were we beaten at times. Rebels best were Jones the lock and their 8 and the deadlocked 6 who were outstanding in defense and turnovers.

The Silver Fern

Super Rugby pre-season matches