Tag: Sharks

Rugby League: NRL Round 10 Review

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Wins to the Storm, the Cowboys and the Dragons have seen all three of them join the Broncos at the top of the NRL ladder.  All three enjoyed comfortable wins against quality opposition in a round that also saw two games go to golden point deciders.

Here’s our take on the eight Round 10 games:

Canterbury Bulldogs (10) v Sydney Roosters (24)

James Graham lasted just 27 minutes in his return from injury and the Bulldogs captain was badly missed as Sydney scored a comfortable win to kick off Round 10.  Jake Friend was the main beneficiary of the increased space he was afforded post Graham’s concussion.  Friend exploited the middle of the park expertly and had two try assists in a fine individual performance.  The other standout individual performance came from Roger Tuivasa-Sheck whose fleet footed antics resulted in 285 running metres and a 38th minute try.

The Roosters two tries before half time effectively sealed the game before Mitch Aubusson and Aidan Guerra rounded it off.  The 24-14 margin made to a look a little closer than it ever was because a late try to Moses Mbye.

The NSW halves battle that was tipped as an Origin trial was slightly disappointing.  None of the four players reached any great heights, however that won’t worry coach Laurie Daley as much as Michael Jennings’ failure to finish the game.

North Queensland Cowboys (31) v Brisbane Broncos (20)

The Cowboys avenged a Round 3 loss to the Broncos by playing near flawless footy to run out winners by 31 to 20.  The Cowboys completed their sets at close to 90% and turned a weight of possession and pressure into a Michael Morgan hat-trick.

That was despite conceding the opening two tries of the game as a fast starting Broncos side led through Lachlan Maranta and Jordan Kahu.  The Broncos initially did well to prevent the predictable Cowboys comeback, but so exceptional was Jonathan Thurston’s game management they couldn’t do so forever.

Thurston was excellent, controlling play, and using Morgan, Coote, Ethan Lowe and James Tamou expertly to deliver two competition points for his side and see them join the Broncos at the top of the table.  From a horror start they Cowboys have now won seven in a row and are absolutely certain of featuring in the playoffs, perhaps against the Broncos late in the season.

The Broncos played their part in the Friday night thriller, and had good returns form the ever reliable Corey Parker and the origin ready Darius Boyd.

Parramatta Eels (13) v New Zealand Warriors (17)

For the second consecutive week the Warriors needed a match winner and this time they got someone who wasn’t Shaun Johnson.  Sure Johnson was magical earlier on in the match, in particular his 19th minute try and some clutch goalkicking, but the real star of the show was Bodene Thompson.

After the match was tied 13-all at the end of normal time, and the golden point period was coming to a close, Thompson took the opportunity to go unnoticed (most eyes were on Johnson and Townsend for the field goal) to crash over and get the Warriors their fifth win of 2015.

It should have been a little more comfortable for the Warriors, as they led 12-0 at half time despite losing Ryan Hoffman for the match in the 3rd minute and Leuluai to a similar fate in the 24th.  The double loss gave coach Andrew McFadden plenty of interchange headaches, and the toll on the Warriors players legs eventually told early in the second half.

Two tires inside six minutes at the start of the second half got the Eeels back in the game, and in truth they were the better team in the final moments and will be disappointed not to have capitalised on a weak Warriors left side.

The Warriors will be pleased with their rare away win, but they are not looking title material.  The five wins they have registered this season have come against the Eels (2), Raiders, Sharks and Tigers – hardly worrying.

Gold Coast Titans (22) v Cronulla Sharks (23)

The Second golden point match of the round saw the Sharks grab a much needed win over the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.

Valentine Holmes was the scoreboard hero, kicking an 81st minute field goal to break the 22-all deadlock, but it was veteran Luke Lewis who provided the inspiration.
Lewis also had a try, however his contribution to both Jack Bird’s try and the first set of extra time was critical.  Lewis’ key plays and Andrew Fafita’s work rate will have please coach Shane Flanagan immensely, so too NSW coach Laurie Daley.
Aidan Sezar had earlier missed the chance to win the game in normal time when he failed to convert Anthony Don’s try from wide out.  The Titans will need to start taking opportunities like this if they are to get anything out of the season – a prospect looking unlikely after 10 rounds.

Melbourne Storm (16) v South Sydney Rabbitohs (12)

Adam Reynolds was always going to be a big loss for the Rabbitohs, and his absence saw his teammates struggle to match an imperious Storm side at AAMI Park.  Gutsy as they were without their pivot the Rabbitohs came up one try short, going down 16-12.

All of Melbourne’s points came in the first half.  Weak defence allowed Jesse Bromwich to waltz over for his first try of the season in the 19th minute to offset an early Bryson Goodwin penalty, and Melbourne extended their lead on the stroke of halftime when Billy Slater put Will Chambers away.

At 16-2 it looked as though Melbourne could run away with the fixture but Souths thought otherwise as they fought hard in the second half to keep their opponents scoreless and kept up the pressure with tries to wingers Alex Johnston and Aaron Gray.  Even in the closing stages they had their opportunities to snatch a win or send a third game of the Round to golden point but the final play just alluded them.

Melbourne go top of the table.  Important with origin just around the corner.  Whereas the Rabbits are 7th.

Queensland fans and Mel Maninga will be sweating on the availability of captain Cameron Smith.  Smith kicked out at Isaac Luke when looking for a quick play the ball.  He did seem unaware that Luke was in the tackle but at least three kicks made contact with Luke’s head – it could get interesting.

St George-Illawarra Dragons (32) v Canberra Raiders (18)

Sunday afternoon’s Dragons / Raiders clash lived up to its billing and matched the intensity from the team’s earlier Round 3 encounter.  The Dragons ultimately got the better of their Canberra based opponents but not before both teams were able to play end to end footy at its best.

Running behind a quality pack featuring the likes of Merrin, Frizzle, De Belin, Thompson and others the Dragons’ halves ran riot with ball and hand and expertly marshalled their team with deft kicking games.  Both Widdop and Marshall laid tries on for each other and also played parts in several of the other five Dragons’ tries.

Completing the season double versus the Raiders means the Dragons have now won seven of their past eight and helps them join the logjam at the top of the ladder at 14 points.

The win also displayed the Dragons attacking threat, piling on a season best 32 points to dampen the rumours of a weak offensive game plan.  They head into the bye in the best of moods while Ricky Stuart will have to help his side get to face the Bulldogs next week.

Newcastle Knights (22) v Wests Tigers (12)

Newcastle may have got their season back on track after they snapped a five game losing streak to beat the Tigers at Hunter Stadium in the last of the Sunday action.

The Knights were in charge for much of the day, but it took a late try to debutant Chad Redman to seal the 22-12 to win after earlier spending at least ten minutes defending their narrow 16-12 lead on their own goal line.  That pressure came about from a Robbie Farah 40/20, but the home side were able to hold on and get to the other end and safety – a controversial scrum win against the feed helping immeasurably.

Neither side got away to any great lead, instead trading tries to James McManus, Dene Halatau, David Fa’alogo and Luke Brooks, until the Knights scored two on the bounce to damaging centre Joey Leilua.

The Knights just miss out on a top 8 spot (their for and against record see them just slip behind the Warriors) but will be pleased to break a five week hoodoo that had threaten to completely derail their season after a nice start.

The Tigers were disappointed with their ability to create pressure on the oppositions tryline – Robbie Farah said so three times in one sentence during the press conference, but coach Jason Taylor did pay dues to Mitch Moses as one of the few capable of busting the defence open.

Manly Sea Eagles (10) v Penrith Panthers (11)

A Matt Moylan field goal capped off an impressive performance form the young fullback and delivered his team a tight win against Manly at Brookvale on Monday night.  Moylan was a the heart of everything good in the Panthers play, both on attack and in defence.

His field goal and natural poise in every facet of the game overshadowed a record-setting Brett Stewart double – the veteran becoming the most prolific Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles try-scorer in the process.  Both of Stewart’s tries came in a first half that Manly edged 10-6.

The Panthers rarely threatened in the first half but improved after the break and kept the home side scoreless in the second half.  Jamie Soward helped get them within two with a fine play to put Dallin Watene-Zelzniak away before Moylan kicked a 72nd minute penalty and a 73rd minute droopy.

The droppy from 39m out was the play that will make most of the highlight reels, but it was his positioning of Waqa Blake (a pass that Blake spilled with an open try line) that better illustrated his worth to Rugby League.

Of concern to the Panthers was the late injury to George Jennings.  The young outside back appeared to break his leg and could be out for up to 6 weeks.

Super Rugby Round 14 Results

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Round 10 was always going to feature some riveting Rugby with the top of the conference New Zealand duel expected to grab most of the headlines.  However, it was the performances of the Blues and the Reds that surprised most and grabbed plenty of newspaper space.

Here’s the mashup from Super Rugby’s Round 14 Results

Blues (23) v Bulls (18) 

The leadership struggle between private investors and the Auckland Rugby Football Union at the Blues took a back seat to the footy action on Friday night as the Blues were able to hold on for win number three of 2015.

An understandably dismal crowd saw quality individual tries from Lolagi Visinia and George Moala get the better off the Bulls rolling mauls and a quality individual performance by Jan Serfontein.  The pieces of back magic gave the Blues a five point win and gave a hint of what the Blues could be capable of if they were led well and governed by strong administration.

The third win at Eden Park means respite for Blues fans, and possibly points to some 2016 magic at the home of New Zealand rugby.  Considering two of the wins have come against the Bulls and the Brumbies, the 2015 season will always be an enigma.

Youngsters Blake Gibson, Akira Ioane, lock William Lloyd and halfback Jamison Gibson-Park all took their chance to shine for the hosts.

Blues: Tries – L.Visinia, G.Moala, Pen – I.West 3, Con – I.West 2

Bulls: Tries – J.Serfontein 2, Pen – H.Pollard 2, Con – H.Pollard

Reds (46) v Rebels (29)

The Reds got win number three of 2015, shocking the Rebels at home with a deadly five try burst in the second half at Suncorp.  The Reds, now, might just be the most unfancied opponents, as playoff contenders will view the Queensland outfit as banana skin foes.  The Reds’ final two games of the season come against the Chiefs and the Waratahs – they could have a big influence on the final standings.

The win means the hire of former Wallabies coach John Connolly paid instant dividends for the Reds who put together their best effort of the season, despite trailing by 11 after just 36 minutes.  However, the second half was full of quality from Lachie Turner and Liam Gill in particular, but also a solid effort from young Jack McIntyre at fly half.

As much as the backs benefited on the scoresheet there were plenty of bumslaps for a forward pack that dominated the Rebels tight five.  Led by lock Rob Simmons the Reds back men were worthy recipients of plenty of praise.

The loss is a major blow for the Rebels playoffs chances, now six points outside the top 6.

Reds: Tries – R.Simmons, J.McIntyre, L.Turner 2. C.Feauai-Sautia, L.Gill, Pen – J.O’Connor 2, Con – J.O’Connor 5

Rebels: Tries – S.Naivalu 2, D.Shipperley, L.Jones, Pen – M.Harris, Con – M.Harris 3

Hurricanes (22) v Chiefs (18)

The Chiefs were left to rue a controversial TMO decision in the final stages as they lost to the Hurricanes 22-18 in Wellington.  An undermanned Chiefs side missing a host of players and then losing two locks inside they first half were brave and perhaps deserved more out of the top of the NZ conference match.

The controversial incident came in the closing stages as the Chiefs were camped in the Hurricanes 22.  Replacement halfback Augustine Pulu snuck out from the back of the ruck to score a potential game winner but the TMO ruled a knock on in the ruck and called the play back.  In fairness the knock on was courtesy of Hurricanes hands in the ruck and should have been a penalty to the Chiefs.  They deserved the chance to tap that penalty and look for a match winner but the decision went against them.

Ma’a Nonu scored a double for the Hurricanes in an accomplished performance.  He lost midfield partner Conrad Smith but made the most of breaks from the Savea brothers and displayed super handling to score his five pointers.  He was one of only a few bright spots for a Hurricanes team that were down a gear from when Beauden Barrett plays, and one that struggled to take advantage of a numerical advantage when Liam Squire was binned.

Elsewhere, James Broadhurst and Brad Webber continued to press their All Black claims with fine efforts.

Hurricanes: Tries – M.Nonu 2, A.Savea, Pen – J.Marshall, Con – J.Marshall 2

Chiefs: Tries – C. Ngatai, S.Cane, Pen – D.McKenzie 2, Con – D.McKenzie

Waratahs (33) v Sharks (18)

The Sharks lost their sixth match in a row and helped the Waratahs to top of the Australian conference and second overall at Allianz Stadium.

A disappointing fixture saw plenty of clumsiness, plenty of errors and ultimately another Sharks loss – equalling their work streak in 19 years of Super Rugby.

They had their opportunities to win this one, especially when Francois Steyn scored to make the score 20-18 with a quarter of the match remaining.  But Bernard Foley’s converted try made it impossible and inflated the scoreline in the Waratahs favour.

The Waratahs will be concerned about their 12 handling errors and the fact that they conceded 18 turnovers.  Those worries may be cancelled out by the realisation that they have one of the most damaging ball runners in the competition in the form of  Rugby League convert Taqele Naiyaravoro who scored his fourth try of the campaign.

Waratahs: Tries – A.Ashley-Cooper, T.Naiyaravoro, B.Foley, Pen – B.Foley 4, Con – B.Foley 3

Sharks: Tries – O.Ndungane, F.Steyn, Pen – F.Steyn 2, Con – F.Steyn

Lions (20) v Brumbies (30)

Six Super Rugby points during a difficult tour to South Africa is a decent return for the Brumbies who grabbed five of them in a win over the Lions on Sunday morning.

The bonus point win courtesy of four tries to two keeps the Brumbies in the hunt for a home semi-final (the Hurricanes a 14 points clear with a game in hand and the race is essentially one for second place).  It’s the second time in succession the Brumbies have grabbed a win in Johannesburg, and helps atones for last weeks shocker against the Stormers.

Defence was again critical for the Brumbies.  They have conceded less than 200 points in their 13 games, and in this fixture were able to support the defence with some devastating attack.  Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano and Joe Tomane were the best for the ACT side, while the Lions got plenty of work out of flanker Jaco Kriel.

Lions: Tries – J.Kriel, A.Coetzee, Pen – E.Jantjies, R.Combrinck, Con – E.Jantjies, J.van der Walt

Brumbies: Tries – T.Kuridrani, I.Vaea, C.Lealiifano, J.Tomane, Pen – C.Lealiifano, J.Mogg, Con – C.Lealiifano 2

Cheetahs (24) v Highlanders (45)

The Highlanders scored a bonus pint win over the Lions in Bloemfontein to make it three New Zealand teams in the top six.  Much like last week a destructive first half saw the Highlanders run out to a 26-3 lead, and unlike last week this time they were able to build on it and win crucial competition points.

The seven try to three win was full of quality running footy in nice conditions at Free State Stadium.  Rugby League convert Ryan Tongia scored two well taken tries, as did Aaron Smith. Ben Smith, Patrick Osbourne and the prolific Gareth Evans also got on the scoreboard as the Highlanders moved to 5th on the Super Rugby table.

The final scoreline has a hint of competitiveness to it, but that wasn’t the case as all of the Cheetahs were scored late in a consolation mould.  The respectability of the scoreboard however won’t do anything to improve the mood of the Cheetahs, nor do they get any competition points for their efforts.  They remain last in the South African conference.

Cheetahs: Tries – R.Benjamin,C Wegner, F.Venter, Pen – F.Brummer, Con – F.Brummer 3

Highlanders: Tries – R.Tongia 2, A.Smith 2, P.Osborne, G.Evans, B.Smith, Con – L.Sopoaga 4, M.Banks

Super Rugby Preview Round 14

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Odds, tips and snippets from the latest round of Super Rugby action.  Here’s the weekly Super Rugby Preview Round 14 Edition:

Blues v Bulls 

Blues – $2.15

Bulls – $1.70

The Blues have had plenty of distractions this week.  Most of them revolve around their coach John Kirwan’s future, which apparently won’t be decided until August.  Will he stay?  Will he get Wayne Smith as an assistant?  Those are the questions being asked, notably because the Blues season is already well and truly over.

However, they play pretty decently at home so they could sneak some points from this picture against the susceptible Bulls outfit.  The Bulls have not won outside of South Africa since 2013, but have plenty to play for as they currently top the South African conference with the Stormers.

On this seasons results the Bulls should be too strong, but we’re sensing an upset, even though the Blues got licked by the Rebels last week.

Blues 1-12.

Reds v Rebels

Reds – $2.25

Rebels – $1.62

Game two of the week also features two teams enjoying contrasting seasons.  Former Champions the Reds are done and dusted.  Struggling with injuries and form, the Reds were badly beaten last week and look to be second best in this fixture too.

In contrast, the Rebels are still in the hunt for a playoff spot – just 4 points behind the Brumbies and will undoubtedly bring plenty of confidence to Suncorp Stadium after mauling the Blues last week.

Jake McIntyre has been asked to make his Super Rugby debut at 10 for the Reds, while Karmichael Hunt returns from injury at outside centre.  Big things are expected of McIntyre.  The 21 year old replaces Nick Frisby who is out with concussion in the Reds problem position.  He could thrive without the pressure of a playoff spot beckoning.

We’ll go for an upset here.  Reds 1-12.

Hurricanes v Chiefs

Hurricanes – $1.62

Chiefs – $2.30

The New Zealand conference decider features two of the better teams in 2015’s Super Rugby season.  The always enterprising Hurricanes face the equally ambitious and attacking Chiefs team at home, bidding to win their 11th game of the season.

The Hurricanes have a poor overall record against the Chiefs, having won just twice of their last seven matches against the side from Waikato.  However, the most recent matchup saw the Hurricanes destroy the Chiefs 45-8.

The Canes are bolstered by the return of TJ Perenara and Julian Savea, returning them to full strength.  Conversely, the Cheifs have lost James Lowe and Sonny Bill Williams in what appears to be two massive hits to their chances.

Hurricanes 13+.

Waratahs v Sharks 

Waratahs – $1.30

Sharks – $3.50

The bookies are giving the Sharks little chance of beating the Waratahs at Allianz on Saturday night.  The Sharks have been disappointing all year and particularly poor away from home, something that is frustrating Bismarck du Plessis no end.  Sydney appears an unlikely venue to turn that statistic around however, as the Sharks have won just 2 of 10 encounters in the area.

That pretty much points to a Waratahs win.  A desperately needed one too after they dropped valuable points against the force last week.  The Tahs have not lost two games in a row all season and we don’t believe that will start on Saturday night.  Buoyed by the inclusion of Michael Hooper, who looked set to miss a few weeks after limping off last week, the Waratahs will win 1-12.

Lions v Brumbies

Lions – $2.10

Brumbies – $1.72

In arguably the most difficult of the round’s games to predict, the Lions face the Brumbies at Ellis Park.  The Brumbies top the Australia conference but are currently in the midst of a mini form slump.  Narrow losses to the Waratahs and the Stormers (3 points and 1 point respectively) have left the ACT franchise needing to win in Round 15 to avoid three straight losses that would equal their worst ever losing streak.

Matt Toomua returns for the Brumbies to aid the cause.  His inclusion adds a tremendous amount of sought after experience in the cauldron that is Johannesburg.

The Lions have surprised many in this campaign.  Most recently they surprised the Highlanders with a stirring second half fightback.  They might not have the paddock across the park, but they can grind out wins at home better than most.

We like their chances and will give them (the Lions) the win by 1-12 (because the Brumbies always lose narrowly if they lose).

Cheetahs v Highlanders

Cheetahs – $2.50

Highlanders – $1.53

An important match for the Highlanders at Free State Stadium this one.  The Highlanders have failed to win any of their four games in the republic and need to keep in touch with the New Zealand conference pack that is currently chasing the Hurricanes.

Last week’s win will still be hurting, and the best tonic will be a win against a Cheetahs side featuring a new halves pairing of Tian Meyer and Francois Brummer.  The Highlanders are not without their own changes. They lose breakout star Waisake Naholo to a bruised foot – replaced by little known Ryan Tongia.

We see the Highlanders finally breaking their South African hoodoo and getting a win by 1-12.

Rugby League: NRL Round 10 Preview

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With just two weeks to go until  State of Origin league fans have just one more week of a full 8 matches before the byes start to take effect.  Fantasy players and punters will love Round 10 for that exact reason and when you see the size of our multi predictions you might too.

Read through our NRL Round 10 Preview below:

Canterbury Bulldogs v Sydney Roosters

Bulldogs – $2.60

Roosters – $1.52

After four weeks on the sidelines suspended, Bulldogs captain James Graham returns to lead his team in a difficult Friday night encounter against the Roosters at ANZ Stadium.  Graham’s form over a tricky origin period where they will almost definitely lose Trent Hopkinson and Josh Morris, and could lose Josh Jackson and David Klemmer, is important for the Dog’s playoff chances.

Josh Reynolds and Greg Eastwood also return to boost the Dogs, in doing so, relegate Sam Kasiano and Moses Mbye to the bench (although rumours are Mbye might play at centre ahead of Chase Stanley).

Their opponents for tonight found some form in an impressive win over the Tigers last week and field an unchanged side.

Roosters favourites and we won’t argue.  Roosters by 1-12.

North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos

Cowboys – $1.63

Broncos – $2.35

Friday’s night second match is an absolute belter- probably the closest a regular season game will come to matching finals intensity.  It’s a Queensland derby right on the eve of Origin.  It’s 1st vs 4th.  And it’s Thurston against Hunt.

The Broncos meet the Cowboys in Townsville hoping to maintain their lead on the NRL ladder and also hoping to overturn a poor run of form at 1300 Smiles Stadium.  Having won just twice their in the last six attempts at the venue, and having lost to the Cowboys in the qualifying final last season, the history book is right against them.

2015 presents a fresh opportunity and considering the form of Corey Parker, Sam Thaiday and Alex Glenn they have a realistic chance.  They’re slight outsiders but we’re going to give them the win by 1-12.

Parramatta Eels v New Zealand Warriors 

Eels – $2.12

Warriors – $1.75

Konrad Hurrell’s running style was the major talking point in the media throughout the week.  The half blockbusting centre, half Instagram clown was this week suspended for three matches after a nasty collision in their win last week against the Sharks that left Anthony Tupou with a badly fractured jaw.  The Warriors have pledged to help Hurrell redevelop his running style, but there are definite concerns that the centre is now becoming a liability.

He’s been replaced this week by Dominique Peyroux, who gets his an overdue chance to impress in his preferred position.  The Samoan international was influential in his Nation’s representative round win over Tonga and will be looking to avoid names like Dane Nielsen, Joel Moon, and Krisnan Inu as failed centre recruits.

He’s the only change to the starting line up with Sione Lousi taking his place on the bench.

In stark contrast to the settled side of the Warriors, the Eels have made three changes as they look to halt a two match losing streak.  Gone are Chirs Sandow, David Gower and Joseph Paulo, and in come Luke Kelly, Pauli Pauli and Tepai Moeroa.

The Eels can be a bit of a bogey team for the Warriors, but the NZ side have won three of the last five, and on the evidence of recent performances seem to be getting better.

Warriors 1-12.

Gold Coast Titans v Cronulla Sharks

Titans – $1.70

Sharks – $2.18

A bit of a fizzer really in an otherwise exciting round (with all due respect to Titans and Sharks fans).

Both teams are coming off losses in Round 9.  The Titans were way off the boil and got annihilated by the Raiders. They badly missed their enforcer Greg Bird, and if their next most aggressive player, Nate Myles, is affected by his mid week singing with Manly, they’ll be struggling.

The Sharks missed a good opportunity to take two competition points form the Warriors.  They led with two minutes to spare thanks to an Andew Fifita special, but could not quite close it out, despite making great strides in their ability to play composed footy while draining the clock.

The Sharks have made major changes to their 17.  David Fifita and Michael Gordon both return from injury, replacing Anthony Tupou and Mitch Brown.  Blake Ayshford also returns at centre for Ricky Leutele.

We’re picking the Sharks 1-12.

Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Storm – $1.42

Rabbitohs – $2.95

In Saturday night’s late game Melbourne are somewhat surprisingly overwhelming favourites to beat the Rabbitohs.  The Storm are nicely perched in second with a record of 6 wins and 3 losses in 2015 thus far, and got even better last week when Billy Slater returned to the mix.

His inclusion makes them even more formidable, yet they shouldn’t have it all their own way.  The Rabbitohs managed to snap a losing streak last week in a narrow victory over the Dragons.  They ground out a win without telling contributions from Greg Inglis, George Burgess or Isaac Luke.

Adam Reynolds is injured again and a major loss for the Bunnies, there is ongoing drama around Luke’s benching, and both of those factors worry us too much to be able to tip them.

Storm 1-12.

St George-Illawarra Dragons v Canberra Raiders

Dragons – $1.49

Raiders – $2.70

The Round 3 matchup between these teams was the turning point of the Dragons season.  After scoring just 4 points in each of their first two games, the Dragons got past 4 and then went on to score 22 and to beat the Raiders.  The win set them up for five more wins on the trot a steak that only came to an end in a narrow loss to Souths last week.

The Round 3 match featured a tremendously unstructured second half, and although we don’t see the same happening this week (the Dragons are playing very conservative and defensively sound footy having conceded the least points in the competition) we do anticipate it will again be close.

Sam Williams played with a collapsed lung in the second half last week, brave but medically silly and he’ll miss this week’s action.  That  means young halfback Mitch Cornish comes back into the side in the only change for either side.

We like the Raiders here 1-12.

Newcastle Knights v Wests Tigers

Knights – $1.75

Tigers – $2.08

Expect no further penisgate incidents when the Knights take on the Tigers on Sunday.  The now infamous incident featuring Korbin Sims and the appropriately named Willie Mason has gained too much attention for Sims to try the stunt again.  The grapple proved just how far players will go to force an opposition error, and is in the same vein as Liam Farrell’s Super League kiss that forced a handling mistake.

The Knights are the slight favourites, presumably courtesy of their home ground advantage, because the Tigers have the recent edge, winning five of the past seven meetings.

Look for the forwards to settle this one.  Aaron Woods v Kade Snowden is a classic.  Jeremy Smith and his battle with Martin Taupau is also bound to feature plenty of aggression.  Expect the Knights to send plenty of traffic Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses’ way in a desperate bid to stop the rot.

We’ll back them to do so too.  Knights by 1-12.

Manly Sea Eagles v Penrith Panthers

Sea Eagles – $1.82

Panthers – $2.02

Brookvale should be treated to an entertaining clash between two teams who at the start of the season were top 8 shoo-ins.  Currently however, both sit outside the top 8 and for Manly in particular who sit in last place their season is in disarray.  Injuries and transfer speculation have wrecked havoc with Manly and the distraction is likely to continue all the way through to the Round 13 transfer deadline as they do everything they can to retain Daly Cherry-Evans.

Cherry-Evans was the best player on the park last week as Manly grabbed a win agaisnt the Knights.  In fact his performance was so good commentator Andrew Voss called the best individual performance by any player in the competition this year.  Voss reckons he holds the top two spots, including his performance versus Melbourne in Round 2 as well.

He’s crucial to their short term and long term future.  If he plays well on Monday night the Sea Eagles will win, if not it could be loss number seven for the year.

In team news, Steve Matai comes back into the Manly fold, shifting Peta Hiku to the wing.  That means no spot for David Williams.  For the Panthers, James Segeyaro comes in for Isaac John and Sika Minu kits up for the suspended Tyrone Peachey.

Manly 1-12.

This Week’s Multi

Head to Head pays $166.40

Margin pays $16278.57

Odds available at Sportsbet.

Rugby League: NRL Round 9 Results

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

After a representative round break the NRL kicked back into gear with all 16 teams in action.  The Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm continued their top of the table form, whereas fellow frontrunners the Dragons finally dropped points to the resurgent Rabbitohs.

Check out all of the games in our recap of the NRL Round 9 Results below:

Brisbane Broncos (8) v Penrith Panthers (5)

A clutch last minute try to replacement forward Corey Oates was enough for the Broncos to sneak past the Panthers at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, and with it, briefly snatch the overall competition lead (before later being joined by Melbourne and St George).

The tight low scoring encounter was settled when Ben Hunt chose not to take another field goal attempt (after missing one a relatively simple one moments earlier) and instead flung the ball lo the right edge to set up Oates.  The desperate throw of the dice got the Broncos out of jail after Matt Moylan had put the Panthers ahead in the 74th minute with an expertly taken field goal.

Matt Moylan was Penrith’s only point scorer – all form the boot as his team failed to cross the try line.  The fact that they were still in the game despite conceding a try to Jordan Kahu on the stroke of half time, said wonders for their pesky defence.

Brisbane’s win is another example of winning ugly, something they have become accustomed to this season.  They struggled to contain second phase play, but will be thrilled with the efforts of returning stars Darius Boyd and Justin Hodges.

Sydney Roosters (36) v Wests Tigers (4)

The Roosters returned to near their best with a dominant performance over a sloppy West Tigers team, and in the process saw several of their stars steam back into Origin contention.  Daniel Tupou was the obviously benefactor of the dusting.  He dotted down for three tries and on the back of a solid performance for City last week is likely to be straight back into the reckoning.  The others were halves colleagues Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney.  Pearce was already looking good for a return to Prigin thanks to ill-discipline and inconsistent form from the Bulldogs’ pair, but Maloney also strengthened his chances with a composed effort of his own.

Boyd Cordner and Michael Jennings were also excellent, which would have please NSW coach Laurie Daley immeasurably.  It also showed just how important the rep weekend was to the Roosters – their players returned refreshed but in-form.

Plenty of attention will go on the missed tackles from Luke Brooks and Mitch Moses, however the Tigers big men did little to lessen the pressure on their littles and all too often left them isolated.  Not many Tigers highlights other than the form of James Tedesco who was one of the better Tigers players, and how good is Siua Taukeiaho looking.

Canberra Raiders (56) v Gold Coast Titans (16)

Ricky Stuart’s creative recruitment drives continues to pay dividends for the Raiders.  Stuart’s money-bal like signings (the likes of Waqa, Williams, Nu’uausala, Hodgson and Soliola) delivered win number five and catapulted them up to fifth on the competition ladder.

Leading the charge was the origin bound five eighth Blake Austin who was instrumental in everything good about the Raiders game.  Two line breaks, two tries and over a hundred running metres summed up the ex-Tigers players night and easily earn him man of the match honours in the 56-16 win.

The Titans, missing their aggressive talisman Greg Bird struggled to get into the game, and barring Ryan James lost out in too many individual battles to build on last week’s in against the Warriors.  James went face to face with several of the Raiders big men including Nu’uausala in a sideshow that at one stage threatened to upstage the main event.

The scoresheets proved an interesting anomaly.  The Raiders had eight different try scorers whereas the Titans three tries all came from wing Anthony Don.

Cronulla Sharks (16) v New Zealand Warriors (20)

The best and worst of Shaun Johnson was on display in Saturday nights tight matchup between the Warriors and Sharks at Remondis Stadium.  After an indifferent first 70 minutes featuring disappointing final tackle kicking options and poor goal kicking from the Kiwi’s number 7, Johnson sparked his side to a late lead by setting up Solomone Kata with a quick break and clever kick.  From the resulting short kickoff Johnson knocked on, undoing all of the good work and allowing Andrew Fafita the chance to score a hulking solo try, before finally sealing a victory with his own solo spectacular (credit to Ryan Hoffman too for his crucial chargedown to put the Warriors in a scoring position).

The Round’s second low scoring affair provided as much drama as the Brisbane/Tigers game and had commentator Andrew Voss declaring it a 15 on the “incredible-metre”.  Admittedly, that was during the frantic final few moments, however the earlier action contained plenty of good watching attritional footy.  Testament to the arm wrestle nature of the match was the high tackle count from the likes of Ennis (44), Fifita (37), Mannering (47) and Thompson (40).

The two points were crucial for the Warriors season chances, especially after announcing two marque signings in the past few weeks.  They needed the momentum and will need to build on this next week when they play the Eels.  They could be without Konrad Hurrell and Manu Vatuvei after they were placed on report and injured respectively.

North Queensland Cowboys (23) v Canterbury Bulldogs (16)

Two important pre-origin competition points were up for grabs in Townsville on Saturday night as the Cowboys took on the Bulldogs in a tense yet entertaining Round 9 clash.  The Cowboys got the better of the Bulldogs thanks to a hint of x-factor from utility back Michael Morgan and a late Jonathan Thurston field goal.

A 12-0 half time score line suggested the Cowboys would run away with this one at home, however, the Bulldogs intensified their efforts in the second half and piled on 16 unanswered points with tries to Josh Jackson, Corey Thompson and Curtis Rona to steal the lead and send the match to a nervy finale.

Enter Morgan, and the match winner Morgan, not just the handy fullback / halve that has had potential for years without grabbing games by the scruff and settling them.  Morgan built on a Gavin Cooper try and put the Cowboys ahead by 6 with 6 to play and deserved the plaudits for his entertaining double.

The win was crucial for the Cowboys who will lose Matt Scott, James Tamou and Thurston to origin.  Although they’ll be content with the progress of the likes of John Asiata, Kelepi Tanginoa, Ben Hannant and Ben Spina to see them through the difficult representative period.

As for the Bulldogs, they need more form Hopkinson, they need Josh Reynolds to stay clean (he’s just a pest, he’s not on steroids), and they need to find a way to get Tony Williams energised and involved.

Manly Sea Eagles (30) v Newcastle Knights (10)

Manly finally managed to put together a decent representation of their attacking ability in a comfortable victory over the Knights in front of 10,000 fans at Borrkvale.

Led by the Titans bound Daly Cherry Evans and veteran fullback Brett Stewart, the Sea Eagles mustered win number three of the season and enjoyed an encouraging 90% completion rate.

The Knights on the other hand are in nothing short of turmoil.  After winning their first four they have now lost five on the bounce and resorted to genital pinches (Youtube the Willie Mason, Korbin Simms exchange) to try and unsettle their opponents – because certainly their attack couldn’t.

Highlights included, Brett Stewart becoming the 10th player in NRL history to score 150 tries, Blake Leary playing brilliantly in a display that proves his form is not limited to Queensland Cup, and Jamie Lyon enjoyed a perfect day off the kicking tee.

Parramatta Eels (10) v Melbourne Storm (28)

Billy Slater returned form injury to stamp his undoubted class on proceedings as his Melbourne Storm side proved too efficient for the Eels at Pirtek Stadium.  Slater had two first half tries – also is first of the year – in a performance full of percentages and professionalism.  Not to be read as a criticism, the composed showing was an important win for a side that traditionally struggles during origin.

It was also crucial given the differing mindsets coach Craig Bellamy would have put up with during the week after his troops returned from national duty.  For Bromwich, Harris and Procter who experienced being on an Anzac winning side for the first time, Bellamy was keen to take the opportunity to give them some rest, but for Cooper Cronk and Will Chambers he needed to get their confidence back after poor showings in the same test.

Both were achieved and a position at the top of the ladder also secured for another week.

Back to the drawing board for the now 15th placed Eels.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v St George-Illawarra Dragons

Four consecutive loses for the Rabbitohs side was hard to fathom based on their NRL Nines, Club Challenge and early season form.  However that’s exactly what looked likely to happen midway through their match against the Dragons at ANZ Stadium on Monday.

The Dragons attack looked sharp thanks to decisive decision making by Benji Marshall and elusive running by the impressive Josh Dugan.  The Dragons took advantage of some sloppy defending on both fringes by the reigning premiers to set up tries for Jason Nightingale and Gareth Widdop, and take a 10-6 lead into the break.

The second half was a different story as the Rabbitohs were finally able to build some pressure through repeat sets.  From a huge number of tackles inside the Dragons 20m line, they were able to set up young winers Aaron Gray (his second of the game) and Alex Johnston.  Resolute defence then saw them hold on to the 16-10 lead despite some enterprising second phase play by the Dragons.

The win halts the Rabbitohs horror run and also inflicts a third defeat of the season on the Dragons.  The St-George men will be looking for ways to get more fro their attack as they have scored more than 14 points in a game on only two occasions this year.

 

Super Rugby Round 13 Results

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Super Rugby weekend again turned in a handful of surprises, and in general wasn’t a good time to be leading at halftime or late in the game.  The Highlanders, Brumbies and Sharks all saw leads disappear late and with it valuable competition points.

Read our round-up of the Super Rugby Round 13 Results with descriptions from each game below:

Crusaders (58) v Reds (17)

The Crusaders turned back the clock and delivered one of their most memorable performances in recent time when they defeated the Reds at home on Friday night.  In what was billed as a farewell for Crusaders legends Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, the Crusaders dominated all 80 minutes and by registering a bonus point win could fins themselves in the playoff reckoning.

The combination between Andy Ellis, Colin Slade and Nemani Nadolo was the winning of the math as the numbers 9, 10 and 11 put on a clinical display and Nadolo kept up his incredible try scoring strike rate.  He also set up Ellis’ 90 second opener, before intercepting a stray James O’Connor pass for his own first try and then finally accepting a Carter pass to cross for a second.

Watching the Waratahs an Highlanders lose further rectified the likelihood of a playoff position, and will send the Crusaders into their bye week positively beaming.

Crusaders: Tries – A.Ellis, C.Slade, N.Nadolo 2, S.Whitelock, M.Todd, J.Macilai, D.Bird, Pen – C.Slade 2, Con – C.Slade 6

Reds: Tries – S.Kerevi, C.Feauai-Sautia, Pen – J.O’Connor, Con – J.,O’Connor 2

Rebels (42) v Blues (22)

The Blues again failed to win an away game.  The loss is their eighth away loss of the season and means they have only won away form home twice in the last three years under John Kirwan.

In this one the Rebels were better in every facet throughout.  The Rebels noticed their second consecutive win and their sixth of the season – the most they have record in their short Super Rugby history.  The Rebels benefitted from the Blues keenness to throw the ball around by exploiting the copious amounts of space available and picking up several intercepts from loose passes.

Scott Higginbotham was one of the Rebels players to take his chances.  He ran over for his 30th Super Rugby try – the most by a forward in the history of the competition.

Credit due to both teams for the attractive and enterprising way the game was played.

Rebels: Tries – C.Fainga’a, T.Smith, S.Higginbotham, D.Shipperley, J. Debreczeni, Pen – M.Harris 3, Con – M.Harris 3

Blues: Tries – M.Nanai, J.Gibson-Park, G.Moala, Pen – I.West, Con -I.West 2

Hurricanes (32) v Sharks (24)

Prince Harry brought good luck to the Hurricanes as they avoided a potentially trick encounter against the Sharks in the capital.  Trailing 24-21 late in the game, the Hurricanes needed late tries from Reggie Goodes and Jeremy Thrush to seal the points and continue their utter domination of the New Zealand conference.

Despite trailing at half time the Sharks got the better start, and had the lead early when Bismarck du Plessis opened the scoring.  However, the Canes worked themselves into the contest, and Cory Jane levelled things up prior to Conrad Smith dotting down to grab a half-time lead.

The Canes trailed twice in the second half but utilised the home crowd and their big game experience to get through the potential banana skin game by a narrow margin.

Hurricanes: Tries – C.Jane, C.Smith, R.Goodes, J.Thrush, Pen – J.Marshall 2, Con – J.Marshall 3

Sharks: Tries – B. du Plessis,  S.Sithole, O.Ndungane, Pen –  L.Cronje, Con – F.Steyn 3

Force (18) v Waratahs (11)

For the second time in 2015 the Western Force beat the reigning Super Rugby Champions.  The Force beat the Waratahs in Round One and completed the double over their NSW opponents with a narrow win in another low-scoring match.

The Waratahs entered the game as one of the form teams of the competition, but lacked accuracy and intensity.  They struggled to break through a staunch defensive effort and managed a solitary try and a solitary competition point (losing margin).  Not a catastrophic result though given the Brumbies loss.

The Force won’t make the playoffs, especially considering their woeful form with the boot (they gave away 17 points in this one), but have gained plenty of admirers for their bizarre record of 10 losses, 2 wins, but both of them against the defending champions.

Force: Tries – R.Louwrens, M.Hodgson, Pen – L.Burton 2, Con – L.Burton

Waratahs: Tries – T.Naiyaravoro, Pen – B.Foley 2

Lions (28) v Highlanders (23)

The Highlanders’ inability to close their match out against the Lions at Ellis Park on Sunday morning might come back to haunt them in the race for playoff spots.  The Otago men led 20-3 at halftime after Gareth Evans and Malakai Fekitoa took opportunist tries with Fekitoa’s in particular a fine 70m effort after goof work from Richard Buckman.  Lima Sopoaga’s soon to be All Black boots were also on form, slotting conversions, penalties and droppies from all over the place.  Probably in response to the 51m monster kicked by Marnitz Boshoff to open the scoring.

The second half was a different story.  The Lions completely dominated the final 28 minutes where they edged ahead with two tries (Kriel for one and the uber- impressive Vorster the other) after a Ben Smith drop goal had pushed the Highlanders back in front.  A further penalty to replacement Elton Jantjies prevented any last minute heartache and sent the Johannesburg crowd into hysterics.

Lions: Tries – Skosan, Kriel, Vorster, Pen – Jantjies 2, Boshoff, Con – Jantjies 2

Highlanders: Tries – Evans, Fekitoa, Pen – Sopoaga, Con – Sopoaga 2, Drop – Sopoaga, B Smith

Stormers (25) v Brumbies (24)

The Newlands match will be remembered only for Christian Lealliifano’s glaring miss in the closing stages that should have delivered his Brumbies side a win adjacent the Stormers.  A conversion right in front of the sticks that many 12 year olds will kick today during their lunch breaks drifted wide and the Stormers were gifted the win.

Demetri Catrakilis contributed all but five of his sides points.  The five came via Schalk Burger who bravely brushed off a dangerous tackle moments earlier to dive over and send the Stormers into the bye round ahead of the Bulls thanks to their superior wins.

The loss was yet another example of a narrow Brumbies defeat, a trait undoubtedly frustrating the Canberra side.  It should never have been though as Lealliifano would kick that goal 9 times out of 1o, blindfolded.  The Brumbies single point gets them up to third courtesy of topping the Australian conference.

Stormers: Tries – S.Burger, Pen – D.Catrakilis 5, Con – D.Catrakilis, Drop – D.Catrakilis

Brumbies: Tries – J.Tomane, D.Pocock, Pen – C.Lealiifano 3, J.Mogg, Con – C.Lealiifano