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6 Blues players named in All Blacks training squad
Published on May 14, 2012
Charlie Faumuina is one of six Blues players named in the 35-man All Blacks squad to attend two training camps ahead of the three Steinlager Series Tests against Ireland. The first wider training group camp will be held in Auckland from next Sunday 20 May - Tuesday 22 May with the second camp in Wellington from Sunday 27 May - Tuesday 29 May. The 35 players attending the camps are as follows: Blues Charlie Faumuina, Ma'a Nonu, Keven Mealamu, Piri Weepu, Ali Williams and Tony Woodcock. Chiefs Sam Cane, Aaron Cruden, Richard Kahui, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Brodie Retallick, Ben Tameifuna and Sonny Bill Williams. Hurricanes Beauden Barrett, Cory Jane, Julian Savea, Brad Shields, Conrad Smith and Victor Vito. Crusaders Daniel Carter, Wyatt Crockett, Israel Dagg, Andy Ellis, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Luke Whitelock and Samuel Whitelock. Highlanders Tamati Ellison, Andrew Hore, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith ......read more »
Blues finally end losing streak against Lions
Published on May 14, 2012
At last! The Blues’ torrid run of defeats finally came to an end as they tamed the Lions 25-3 at Eden Park tonight. It was by no means pretty or clinical, nor was it overly convincing against the Super Rugby cellar dwellers, but it was a crucial win nonetheless after seven long weeks of agony. A meagre crowd of 10,127 true blue fans descended on Eden Park determined to cheer on their side despite the disappointing run of form, and their collective sigh of relief as the full time siren sounded was palpable. “I’m very, very proud of the boys,” Blues head coach Pat Lam said following his side’s first win on home turf this season. “You can’t underestimate where we’ve come from and what’s been going on in the team, how hard it is to get a win. “We know it’s not perfect rugby and we know it wasn’t ......read more »
Faumuina, Braid and McCartney commit to the Blues
Published on May 8, 2012
The Blues are delighted to announce three key players –Charlie Faumuina, Luke Braid and Tom McCartney - have each signed two-year deals with the franchise for the next two seasons.Prop Charlie Faumuina said he is fully committed to the Blues and is determined to play his role in the team’s revival for 2013 and 2014.“I enjoy being part of the Blues, I am proud to wear the jersey and am determined more than ever to do what I can to help get this team get back to where it should be,” he said. The sentiment is echoed by team-mates Braid and McCartney.“There is no doubt we’re doing it tough this year, but the Blues environment is a good one and I want to keep on being a part of it. Playing alongside my brother (Daniel) means a lot to me and I very much want to be a part of ......read more »
Hurricanes heap more misery on Blues
Published on May 7, 2012
The Blues’ wretched season plummeted to new depths on Friday night as they were thrashed by the Hurricanes 35-19 at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.After a promising first half where the Blues trailed by just two points at the break, the Hurricanes inflicted the damage in the second half to completely overrun the ragged visitors.A dejected Blues captain Luke Braid rued individual errors as the primary reason for his side’s downfall. “As soon as we start chasing the game we start to lose our composure,” he said. Round 11 Hurricanes v Blues 35 - 19 7:35 p.m., Westpac Stadium (HT 16 - 12) Hurricanes Conrad Smith, Andre Taylor, Julian Savea, TJ Perenara, J Eaton tries; Beauden Barrett 2 con, 2 pen Blues Benson Stanley try, Lachie Munro con, Piri Weepu 4 pen Photo:photosport.co.nz...read more »
Blues team to face Hurricanes
Published on May 3, 2012
Michael Hobbs has been handed the number 10 jersey for Friday night’s encounter with the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium (kick-off 7.35pm).The Wellington first five-eighths has been promoted from the bench to take on many of his provincial teammates in one of three changes to the starting XV. Rising star Gareth Anscombe has been dropped from the 22 altogether following a mixed performance against the Reds last week, with Lachie Munro set to provide cover on the bench.Blues head coach Pat Lam has reshuffled his backline, with Benson Stanley returning to centre as Rene Ranger shifts out to the wing in place of Rudi Wulf who has failed to overcome a shoulder injury. In the forwards, Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock have also been unable to shrug off their calf injuries as Tevita Mailau and Tom McCartney remain in the starting XV.Captain Luke Braid shifts from blindside to openside flanker, with ......read more »
RUGBY MOURNS THE LOSS OF SIR FRED ALLEN
Published on April 30, 2012
Sir Frederick ‘Fred’ Richard Allen – 9 February 1920- 28 April 2012The passing of Sir Fred Allen, Patron of Auckland Rugby and one of the rugby’s finest men has deeply saddened the Auckland Rugby community.Sir Fred ‘The Needle’ Allen passed away earlier today at the age of 92, but his reputation as a player, coach, patron and patriarch of the game will live on for many years to come.Sir Fred first played for Auckland in 1946 after serving in World War II and was an All Black from 1946-49. He later became a selector/coach of Auckland from 1957-1963. This golden era featured an unbeaten run of 25 matches as holders of the Ranfurly Shield. From 1966-1968, Sir Fred coached the All Blacks for 37 international fixtures including 14 Test wins.Auckland Rugby Chairman, Glenn Wahlstrom remembers the great man fondly. “Sir Fred was a real stalwart of the game. From the ......read more »
Reds compound Blues’ woes
Published on April 30, 2012
Winning becomes a habit but unfortunately, as the Blues and their fans are so painstakingly discovering, so does losing. And the Blues don’t seem any closer to kicking that habit after they suffered their sixth successive defeat, going down to defending champions the Reds 11-23 at Eden Park tonight. In a competition as tough as Super Rugby where the margins for error are so small, the Blues can ill afford to give away the ball as much as they did tonight without expecting to come off second best.Round 10 Blues v Reds11 - 237:35 p.m., Eden Park - 12,111 in attendance(HT 8 - 15) BluesLuke Braid try; Gareth Anscombe pen 2RedsDigby Ioane, Luke Morahan, Dom Shipperley tries Mike Harris con, pen 2 ...read more »
Season of woe continues unabated for Blues
Published on April 23, 2012
Close but no cigar. In what is becoming a heartbreaking habit, the Blues put themselves in a position to close out a tight game only for it to slip agonisingly out of their grasp as they were defeated 30-27 by the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday night. And once again a controversial refereeing decision which lead to a try played a crucial role in denying the Blues a victory. With 10 minutes to go and the Blues leading 27-25, replacement back Kurt Baker appeared to shove Rene Ranger in the back to prevent him from grounding the ball in his in-goal as the Highlander dived on the loose ball to score the match-winning try. You could not fault the effort, intensity and desire of the Blues who threw everything they had at the staunch Highlanders, but errors at crucial times continue to be their Achilles ......read more »
Kangaroos Take Close VB Test
Published on April 23, 2012
The Kangaroos have beaten the Kiwis 20-12 in front of 35,339 people at Eden Park in the VB Test. There were a couple of injury hold-ups early in the match, with Shaun Johnson staying down after a heavy knock to the shoulder, and then David Shillington taking time to find his feet after a head clash with Sam McKendry. When the repairs were sorted it was the Kiwis who took the lead as Issac Luke weaved his way over from dummy half in the 12th minute. Benji Marshall converted. The dancing feet of Johnathan Thurston got the Kangaroos back in the match not long after as he scored beside the posts. His goal kicking boots tied the scores. To read the full article To view photos of the match Kiwis: 12 (Shaun Johnson, Issac Luke tries; Benji Marshall 2 conversions).Kangaroos: 20 (Greg Inglis, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston tries; Thurston 3 ......read more »
Kiwis target battle up front in Anzac Test
Published on April 20, 2012
For all the anticipation over the magic that halves Benji Marshall and Shaun Johnson might conjure up, the Kiwis know they have to do the business up front in the Anzac rugby league Test on Friday night. New Zealand assistant coach Tony Iro says it's what happens in the skirmishes with the Kangaroos forwards that will largely determine who leaves Auckland's Eden Park with the spoils. "In any league game these days, the side that wins the arm wrestle gets the opportunity to play football and this isn't going to be any different," he said."Everyone can talk about open football, but we have to win up front first. "I think we've got plenty of guys in form in the pack. We just have make sure they bring their club form to the international game." Iro believes the 17 the Kiwis selectors have chosen is "probably the best side we could ......read more »
VB Test Fan Day
Published on April 18, 2012
For a brief moment today, international rivalries were put on hold as both the Kangaroos and Kiwis took to Eden Park to meet with fans. While most of the talk in the build up to Friday's test has centred on New Zealand-born James Tamou's controversial decision to make himself available for Australia, that appeared to be of little concern to the hundreds of children in attendance. The giant prop, like his Kangaroos team-mates, was immediately swamped by pint-sized youngsters in search of an autograph or a photo when he emerged from the Australian changing room just after 10am. Likewise, the Kiwis players, none more so than star halfback Shaun Johnson and captain Benji Marshall, were also in hot demand. For the first time since 1998, the Anzac test will be played on New Zealand soil. Incidentally, that was the last time the Kiwis won the annual fixture. To see photos, ......read more »
Sharks feed off Blues errors
Published on April 16, 2012
The pain continues for the Blues as they were defeated 23-29 by the Sharks at Eden Park on Friday night. The loss, their fourth in a row and sixth in seven matches, has all but extinguished any glimmer of hope the Blues might have had of reaching the playoffs as they remain firmly rooted to the bottom of the New Zealand Conference. With an improved lineout, a solid game plan and a better attitude in defence, the Blues looked a far more polished unit in the first half and dominated both possession and territory as they looked to put an end to their disappointing run of form. But two intercept tries put a severe dent in their confidence and willingness to spin the ball wide as the Blues effectively gifted the game to the Sharks through their errors. Full Article Round 8 Blues v Sharks 23 - 29 7:35 p.m., ......read more »
Blues v Sharks
Published on April 11, 2012
World Cup winning All Black lock Ali Williams has been relegated to the bench and outside back Lachie Munro has been axed from the 22 altogether for Friday night’s match against the Sharks at Eden Park (kick-off 7.35pm). In the wake of the Blues’ fifth loss in six matches, head coach Pat Lam has promoted up-and-coming lock Liaki Moli to the starting XV as he looks to inject some energy and fresh legs into the forward pack. For the full article click here....read more »
Blues succumb to Rebels
Published on April 10, 2012
The Blues slumped to their fifth defeat in six matches as they were defeated by the Rebels 34-23 in Melbourne on Thursday night.The season continues to go from bad to worse for Pat Lam’s men, who now find themselves rooted to the bottom of the Super Rugby ladder with just 10 points, four of which were accrued from the bye last week. With Keven Mealamu returning from a calf strain to partner Tony Woodcock and Charlie Faumuina in the front row, the Blues continually smashed their opponents at the scrum.But despite a solid attacking platform, lateral passes, dropped balls and poor decision making blunted their lacklustre attack. To read full article please - Click here Round 7 Rebels v Blues 34 - 23 (HT 11 - 9) Rebels Kurtley Beale, Gareth Delve, James O'Connor tries; O'Connor 2 cons 5 pens Blues Rudi Wulf, Chris Lowrey tries; Gareth Anscombe 2 ......read more »
Blues v Rebels
Published on April 4, 2012
Blues head coach Pat Lam finally has the luxury of naming a full strength front row for Thursday night’s match against the Rebels, with Keven Mealamu returning from injury to partner All Black teammate Tony Woodcock and Charlie Faumuina in the engine room. It will be the first time Woodcock and Mealamu have played together since the 2011 Rugby World Cup final, with Mealamu suffering a calf injury following the Stormers game just as Woodcock returned to action after an extended period of leave. The inclusion of the inspirational Blues captain is one of four changes to the starting XV for Thursday night’s must-win match. Enigmatic Northland back Rene Ranger returns from suspension to start on the left wing, with Rudi Wulf shifting to fullback as Lachie Munro starts on the right wing in place of the injured David Raikuna. Rising star Gareth Anscombe will start at first five-eighths ahead ......read more »
