Kiwis carving up the north: Pau need only NZers to beat Clermont
Former All Blacks supplied all the points for Pau as the south-western French club edged Clermont 22-21 in Top 14 action over the Christmas period.
Second five Benson Stanley scored Pau’s sole try, while first five Colin Slade kicked a conversion, two penalty goals and a pot. Tom Taylor slotted two penalty goals off the bench. Conrad Smith, now 36, and Daniel Ramsay also featured for Pau.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szakGFT4mjQ
Isaia Toeava, again operating in the No 10 jersey, scored a try for Clermont.
The Stade Francais debut of former North Harbour lock/loose forward Brandon Nansen was not a winning one, as the Parisians, with Tony Ensor and Ziggy Fisi’ihoi alongside him, fell 28-6 to a Castres outfit which included David Smith, Alex Tulou and Maama Vaipulu.
Racing-Metro, with Anthony Tuitavake, Ben Tameifuna and Joe Rokocoko in the mix, beat Toulouse, who fielded Joe Tekori and Charlie Faumuina off the pine, 23-19.
Vern Cotter’s Montpellier, devoid of any Kiwis, went top of the log after dispatching Lyon 38-17. The latter fielded a clutch of Kiwis, or those who have played in New Zealand, including Toby Arnold, Rudi Wulf, Mike Harris, who kicked a goal, Toa Halafihi and Josh Bekhuis, who copped a yellow card. Off the bench came South African-born prop Albertus Buckle, who had a season with Wairarapa-Bush in the 2006 Heartland Championship.
Toulon opened up Oyonnax to the tune of 49-25. Malakai Fekitoa, at second five, did not trouble the scorers, but replacement Ma’a Nonu did score a try, as did Alby Mathewson, who seems to be making a habit of racking up five-pointers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovMUOygt8QQ
For Oyonnax, Ben Botica scored a try and slotted four goals, while Roimata Hansell-Pune, Rory Grice and Quentin MacDonald all featured for the vanquished.
Tom Murday and George Tilsley tasted a 27-13 victory with Agen over Brive.
La Rochelle lost its Top 14 lead, going down 29-19 at Bordeaux-Begles. Rene Ranger, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Uini Atonio and Victor Vito will all be chastened by the loss.
In the PRO14, Scarlets scrapped to a 12-9 win over Ma’afu Fia’s Ospreys. Johnny McNicholl (14) and Hadleigh Parkes (13) were in the Scarlets’ threequarters.
James Lowe and Jamison Gibson-Park enjoyed a 34-24 away win for Leinster over arch-rivals Munster.
Rey Lee-Lo scored one of Cardiff Blues’ tries in their 22-17 victory over Dragons, while Gareth Anscombe kicked three goals. Nick Williams was at No 8.
Bundee Aki’s strong form continued, scoring an early try and receiving a standing ovation from his home ground when he departed in Connacht’s 44-16 shellacking of Sean Reidy’s Ulster. Tom McCartney and Naulia Dawai were both used off the bench by Connacht.
Former Blues, NZU and Waikato hooker Hame Faiva, who should have gained a Super Rugby contract, scored a try and a sinbinning in Treviso’s 27-14 win over fellow Italian club Zebre. Lock Dean Budd also saw yellow, while Marty Banks landed two goals from the pivot position. Jayden Hayward, Monty Ioane and Whetu Douglas rounded out the big Kiwi contingent at John Kirwan’s old club.
Edinburgh, despite a red card to prop Simon Berghan for dangerous play in the ruck, handed a rare 18-17 defeat to Dave Rennie’s Glasgow Warriors. Phil Burleigh was at No 12 for Edinburgh, while Siua Halanukonuka came off the bench for the Warriors.
In the Aviva Premiership, Worcester, with Bryce Heem and Jackson Willison in the starting XV, beat London Irish 23-8. James Marshall, Filo Paulo, Mike Coman and Asaeli Tikoirotuma all played for the Exiles.
Two penalty goals by Tane Takalua turned out to be crucial for Newcastle, the Falcons, who also fielded Sinoti Sinoti and Nili Latu, winning 11-10 over Harlequins. Former Bay of Plenty halfback Jono Kitto, formerly of Leicester Tigers, started for Quins.
Thomas Waldrom scored a try off the bench as his Exeter Chiefs dispatched Northampton 35-14. Right wing Ahsee Tuala finished off a nice movement for Saints, while Piers Francis slotted two goals.
Bryn Evans’ Sale Sharks did a 32-9 number on Bath, who started Jack Wilson, Kahn Fotuali’i and Paul Grant.
A Kiwi-less Wasps hammered Gloucester 49-24, despite tries to Tom Marshall and Willi Heinz for the cherry and whites.
Sean Maitland’s Saracens beat Mike FitzGerald’s Leicester 29-17.
Comments on RugbyPass
I've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
7 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
43 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
7 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
7 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
7 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
7 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
7 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to commentsA long held question in popular culture asks if art imitates life or does the latter influence the former? Over this 6 nations I can ask the same question of the media influencing the thoughts of its audience or vice versa. Nobody wants to see cricket scores in rugby, as a spectacle it is not sustainable. With so many articles about England’s procession and lack of competition it feeds the epicaricacy of many looking for an opportunity to pounce. England are not the first team to dominate nor does it happen only in rugby, think Federer, Nadal, Red Bull or Mercedes, Manchester Utd, Australia in tests and World Cups. Instead of celebrating the achievements why find reasons to falsify it pointing towards larger playing pool, professional for a longer period or mitigate with the lack of growth in other nations. Can we not enjoy it while it is here and know that it won’t last for ever, others coveting what England have will soon take the crown, ask the aforementioned?
6 Go to comments