Yardbarker: Dan Carter

New Zealand triumph against Ireland at Croke Park

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:11:06 -0500

New Zealand overcame an error-prone first half to defeat Ireland 22-3 yesterday and maintain their 22-match unbeaten run against the hosts.

The All Blacks took a decisive 10-3 lead in the final move of the first half at Croke Park. A controversial penalty try was awarded against Tommy Bowe for slapping the ball into touch just as Richie McCaw appeared ready to score.

Referee Mark Lawrence handed him a yellow card to go with it, in what was a decision that is sure to fire up debate around the world for a long time yet.

The numeric advantage didn't last long for the All Blacks though, as Tony Woodcock was himself yellow carded, early in the second half, for a punch on Rory Best. The punch, to our knowledge, wasn't picked up on camera.

Earlier, an unusually shaky Dan Carter converted just one of three penalty kicks, while Ronan O'Gara nailed his only attempt a?" a stunning 45m shot in the 38th minute a?" to make it 3-3.

But tries by Ma'a Nonu and Brad Thorn in the 48th and 53rd minutes put the result beyond reach of the Irish, who lacked attacking bite and who have failed to beat New Zealand since 1905.

Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll said "New Zealand won the field battle and dominated. You can only defend for so long and I thought we got out of jail a bit at times in the first half."

Time: 05:49

Heineken Cup Preview

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:35:06 -0500

The Heineken Cup kicks off today as we'll get to see the top clubs around Europe do battle for the next few months. Champions Munster will be determined to defend the title they so famously claimed against Toulouse earlier in the year, but the challengers will be strong.

With talent spread far and wide across Europe at the moment, there are a number of teams that have a genuine chance of making it all the way. Don't be surprised to see any upset or two either, as match breakers in smaller sides could make all the difference.

We're in for a cracking few months of rugby, as the Heineken Cup is now considered one of the top, if not the top, club or provincial tournament in the world. That's up for debate of course, but the fact is that to play Heineken Cup rugby is a real test, and a challenge that someone like Dan Carter himself is relishing.

This is a short advert from Sky Sports for the exciting tournament that should keep us all thoroughly entertained from now until May next year.

Time: 01:21

Sebastien Chobet dumped by Shaun Sowerby

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:45:43 -0500

Top 14 champions Toulouse outgunned rivals Perpignan on the weekend to head to the top of the table with a 30-20 victory that was more convincing than the score line indicates.

While Perpignan waits in anticipation of the grand arrival on the playing field of Kiwi Dan Carter, it was fellow All Black Byron Kelleher who once again showed that he's in the form of his life.

Kelleher again crossed for a try, but more importantly he ignited a Toulouse side that ultimately had too much strength and depth, despite a valiant fight back from the visitors.

Keeping with the trend of us discussing foreign players in the Top 14, we've got this nice tackle for you from South African Shaun Sowerby on prop Sebastien Chobet.

Chobet was on the receiving end of the solid hit from the bulky Toulouse Eighthman Sowerby, who has developed into a top class player since leaving the Sharks in South Africa a few seasons back.

Although he was a star in Durban, Sowerby was never quite good enough to make the step up consistently for the Springboks, but has since proved his worth over in France.

Sowerby had some help from his flank, so it was a bit of a gang tackle, but looked good nevertheless. The reaction from the French commentators, as always, makes it even more enjoyable to watch.

Note: While our knowledge of big, bald props isn't perhaps as good as it should be, we originally thought this was Perry Freshwater who got tackled, not Chobet, so we apologise if there was any confusion caused.

The All Blacks run riot against Samoa

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:20:59 -0500

The All Blacks crushed Samoa 101-14 on Wednesday in a one sided match that once again highlighted the ever widening gap between rugby's rich and poor nations.

New Zealands 15 tries, on the way to their fifth century in test match rugby, handed the proud South Pacific Island nation their heaviest ever defeat.

New Zealand fullback Mils Muliaina scored three tries before he was taken off at halftime while Conrad Smith and Richard Kahui crossed twice each.

Adam Thomson, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Ali Williams, Jerome Kaino, Isaia Toeava and Piri Weepu also scored tries. Stuart Dickinson awarded a penalty try and Dan Carter and Donald combined to kick 13 conversions.

"We got what we needed to get out of it," New Zealand forwards coach Steve Hansen said in a televised interview.

"There were no injuries as well so it was very pleasing."

Samoan born All Black captain on the night Rodney So'oialo said the match was the perfect practice game for the Tri-nations decider against Australia in Brisbane on September 13th.

"I think the boys really enjoyed it out there today," So'oialoi said.

"The boys haven't played for a couple of weeks so they really needed needed this game to turn their bodies over and get back on track for next week."

Samoa were forced to field a depleted team as their top players had club commitments in Europe and elsewhere abroad. The did manage two consolation tries though, with the second from Alafoti Faosiliva an absolute classic example of what the players could be capable of.

"What can you say, one hundred points? But we got two tries," said Samoa captain Filipo Levi.

"It's a big step up from playing club rugby in Samoa but in saying that it was a learning curve and a good experience for the boys."

Time: 09:03
Full Match: The full game is available on Rugbyzone here. (Region Specific)

All Blacks too strong for Springboks in Cape Town

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 07:03:41 -0500

The All Blacks kept South Africa scoreless for only the fourth time in 75 meetings by beating them 19-0 in Cape Town's Tri Nations test on Saturday. They were led brilliantly by powerhouse forward Richie McCaw, who stood out as a true leader and one of the players of the match with his overall performance.

New Zealand weathered the Springbok's strong start, and nullified the home ground advantage by soaking up the pressure and keeping themselves ahead after an early try by Conrad Smith. McCaw's deft kick ahead was yet another mark of the man's class, as Smith dived over and somehow managed to dot down.

Flyhalf Dan Carter miraculously missed five of seven attempted kicks at goal, possibly never seen before by Carter at this level. It didn't matter though, as the men in green failed to take advantage of that and use their chances to put points on the board.

The All Blacks defence was heroic, once again led by McCaw, who was seen putting in numerous crunching tackles and winning turnover ball on the ground, showing precisely how slow the Springboks were at the breakdown.

The game sat at 5-0 for the whole of the first half, as Carter continued to let South Africa off the hook by skewing kicks in a rare display of poor goal kicking. The rest of his play was up to normal standard though, with his moment of brilliance with 14 minutes left in the match putting the visitors well ahead.

The grounding of the ball from Carter, after the neat little jink, showed what a superb player he can be with ball in hand.

With five minutes left, Francois Steyn and Jean De Villiers combined to hand All Black hooker Kevin Mealamu an absolute gift, as the pressure to create something out of nothing resulted in them tossing Mealamu the ball, for one of the easier tries he'll score in his career.

Percy Montgomery's 100th Test match for his country was meant to be an occasion to celebrate for the home side, but looking leaderless and frustrated, the errors and subsequent failure to get on the board cost them.

The All Black's composure and determined defence on the other hand, was probably the difference between the two sides in the end. That, and king Richie, who has once again shown what an incredibly classy player and captain he truly is.

The All Black now sit at the top of the table with 14 points, while the Springboks remain in last place with five.

Time: 10:06
Note: Is ten minutes too long for highlights? Spot on, or bandwidth killer? Let us know please.
Full match: Watch the game for Free through our promo with Rugbyzone.com. Details here

All Blacks crush the Wallabies in Auckland

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:57:49 -0500

New Zealand snapped a two-game losing streak by thrashing Australia 39-10 in their Tri-Nations, Bledisloe Cup match at Eden Park on Saturday.

New Zealand dominated the match and kept their hopes of defending their Tri-Nations title alive after winning their 19th game in a row at their Auckland stronghold.

All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter had an outstanding night with the boot, kicking five penalties and two conversions for a tally of 19 points.

With injured captain Richie McCaw making his return, the All Blacks played with far more determination than in their 34-19 loss to Australia last week.

Loosehead prop Tony Woodcock scored a brace of tries within four minutes midway through the first half, doubling the previous amount he had scored in 41 tests, after twice crashing over from close range.

The second was a slick planned move after a lineout on Australia's five metre line. The ball went to Ali Williams at the back of the lineout who immediately knocked it down for Woodcock to force his way over.

New Zealand had shot out to an 18-3 lead before Australia responded with a classy try to fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper, who was on the end of a slick backline move after a rare period of Australian pressure.

After leading 21-10 at halftime the All Blacks struck early in the second half, with inside centre Ma'a Nonu crashing over after New Zealand had forced a turnover inside Australia's 22.

Nonu scored again in injury time to give New Zealand a vital four-try bonus point in the battle for the Tri-nations crown. They now lead the table from Australia then South Africa.

Time: 09:52
Article: Reuters

Wallabies sink All Blacks 34-19 in Sydney

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 20:56:06 -0500

Australia stormed to a stunning 34-19 triumph over New Zealand in an exciting Tri-Nations encounter in Sydney.

Having led at half-time, the Wallabies were forced to come from behind following an early try from the All Blacks five minutes after the interval.

But as they have done throughout coach Robbie Deans' five-Test stint at the helm, Australia found their way to the finish line with tries from forwards Rocky Elsom and James Horwill to extend their unbeaten run to five matches and claim top spot in the standings.

Fly-half Matt Giteau was superb throughout for the hosts, as was stand-in skipper George Smith and veteran Lote Tuqiri.

For the All Blacks, Dan Carter was at his sublime best, while Mils Muliaina and Sitiveni Sivivatu looked dangerous, but it was not enough to avoid a second consecutive defeat.

Ryan Cross, Peter Hynes, Elsom and Horwill were the tryscorers for Australia, while Muliaina, Andrew Hore and Andrew Ellis touched down for the All Blacks.

Time: 09:30
Article: The Press Association

Riaan Viljoen's 62m monster penalty for Griquas

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:28:15 -0500

As we saw earlier in the week with the big hits on Ross Skeate, giant killers Griquas pulled off a memorable win against the much fancied Western Province (Stormers in the Super 14) on the weekend in Kimberley.

The game ended 21-20 in favour of the home team, which came in part thanks to a kick of mammoth proportions from young fullback Riaan Viljoen.

Regular kicker Conrad Barnard had a shocker, missing four out of five, so young Viljoen stepped up and took over, slotting all three of his kicks on the day.

Kick number two, close to the touch line about 40m out, sailed over easily from a two step run-up. Western Province regained the lead through Willem De Waal, but then with less than ten minutes left in the game, shortly after a massive hit from Gcobani Bobo, a penalty was awarded well inside the Griquas ten meter line.

Viljoen had no hesitation, and confidently blasted the ball over for this incredible 62-meter kick that reclaimed the lead for his team, and in the end, was the difference between winning and losing.

Griquas captain Herkie Kruger, delighted with the win after going into the match as underdogs, had only one thing to say about the kick after the game.

"It was a monster of a kick."

Springboks end All Black home winning streak in Dunedin

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:43:11 -0500

South Africa ended a 10-year wait for a win in New Zealand with a 30-28 victory over the All Blacks in their Tri-nations test on Saturday.Scrumhalf Enrico Januarie scored the winning try with four minutes remaining after the Springboks had been reduced to 14 men by captain Victor Matfield's yellow card.

Matfield had been sent off three minutes earlier for a high tackle and New Zealand flyhalf Dan Carter kicked his sixth penalty to give the All Blacks a 28-23 lead.

However, the world champions showed tremendous willpower to fight their way back and register their first win in Dunedin at their eighth attempt and their first in New Zealand since a 13-3 triumph in Wellington in 1998.

In a fiercely contested match the Springboks snatched a 17-15 halftime lead with a 32nd-minute try by wing JP Pietersen.

The All Blacks regained the lead in the 56th minute as replacement flank Sione Lauaki stepped inside to score.

In the end, a moment of individual brilliance by Januarie settled the outcome. The gutsy scrumhalf broke from a ruck on the New Zealand 10-metre line and chipped the ball over replacement fullback Leon Macdonald, before winning the race to the ball and scoring.

Peter De Villiers, South Africa's first black coach, had been under pressure both in New Zealand and back at home after the world champions lost 19-8 in Wellington last week.

"I always believed in the players and tonight they put it together because they believed in themselves. The players worked really hard in the week before the game and, because they are the world champions, they knew they had to uplift their game."

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said the test had demonstrated the high calibre of rugby played in the Tri-nations tournament, which also features Australia.

"There are three very even sides in this competition and you couldn't get a bigger test than this one. It was a superb game, a really enjoyable spectacle and a great showcase for the game.

South Africa now travel to Australia to play the Wallabies in Perth next Saturday.

Time: 10:01
Source: Reuters

All Blacks beat Springboks in Tri Nations opener

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:25:45 -0500

It was an intense night in Wellington as the All Blacks put an end to the Springboks' 14 match winning streak as they triumphed 19-8 in the Tri Nations opener at a wet and windy Westpac Stadium.

The weather made it hard but not as hard as two physical, determined teams slamming into each other for 80 mins - and then ending with smiles, handshakes and hugs, like heavyweight boxers at the end of a massive bout.

This was a massive bout, a massive scrap and one which the All Blacks deserved to win, especially for their second-half effort - their effort and Dan Carter's skill.

Certainly Carter outkicked all Springboks attempts at kicking. His kicking is so varied - at goal, high, diagonally, chipping, grubbering through. What ever kick is needed he can produce it to perfection.

Both the tries in the match were splendid, worthy of the finest weather on the firmest fields.

Jean De Villiers' break down the left wing and perfectly timed pass to supreme finisher Bryan Habana oozed class, both players arguably the hardest working backline Boks on the night.

The All Blacks scored their try early in the second half, with that man Carter once again proving the Boks' nemesis as he doubled around beautifully to set up a superbly taken try for Jerome Kaino. The number 8 was unlucky not to have a second try later on as he was adjudged to be ahead of the kicker by referee Stuart Dickonson, when television replays clearly showed that he wasn't.

Perhaps the abiding memory of the game was its physicality - the sheer intensity of tackle after tackle, collision after collision. It was worthy of the 87 years of battles between the two top nations in the world of rugby, and they'll do battle again next week.

Time: 05:05
Note: The video features only the two tries, but with all replays etc...
Clips of individual incidents, from this game and others, will follow soon, as separate posts.
With thanks to rugby365