Melbourne Rebels provide hope ahead of Super rugby debut

THE Melbourne Rebels showed they could match it with the big boys in their final trial against the Crusaders ahead of their historic Super rugby debut.

Melbourne were edged 19-14 by the Crusaders in their first game at AAMI Park, but did enough to give coach Rod Macqueen and their fans - 13,013 who turned out for a warm-up game - plenty to smile about.

The Rebels, who will play their opening round game against NSW on February 18, cruised through their first three trials against Tonga and Fiji.

However against rugby powerhouse the Crusaders, the most successful side in Super rugby history, they were given a reminder of their tough road ahead.

While they finished behind on the scoreboard, there were positives.

In only his second match returning from back surgery skipper Stirling Mortlock played 70 minutes and looked strong throughout, pulling off one of his trademark crunching tackles on Crusaders centre Adam Whitelock late in the first half.

Mortlock also played a hand in both of the Rebels' tries, scored by inside centre Cooper Vuna, who has scored in each of their trials, and five-eighth James Hilgendorf.

Their forward pack, which hadn't been tested against the island teams, was given a solid workout, but held their own at the set piece.

No.8 Gareth Delve was non-stop while Kevin O'Neill impressed at the line-out.

The Rebels dominated early possession, but their atttack faltered with their timing out which resulted in many passes going to ground.

The Crusaders lost All Black fullback Israel Dagg to a leg injury 14 minutes into the match, however still managed to post first points with a try to openside flanker Matt Todd three minutes later.

Vuna barrelled across near the goal post and then Hilgendorf touched down to put the home side ahead 14-7 at the main break.

Neither side managed to take control of the match in their third quarter, but the Crusaders closed the gap through a try by Whitelock.

The centre then scored the winning try in the 66th minute thanks to a 60 metre break by burly outside centre Robbie Fruean, who slipped out of a Delve tackle.

The Rebels toiled hard in the dying minutes but couldn't find a chink in the Crusaders' armour to find the winning points.

Macqueen said he wasn't bothered by the losing scoreline - hence his team's decision not to kick penalty goals, which could have given them the match.

“We got a lot out of that game, it gave us a measure of where we are,” he said.

“Certainly pleased with a lot of aspects of it and am not surprised at some of the other ones, we again turned over a lot of ball.”

He praised the input of fullback and former Brumby Julian Huxley, who was playing his first game for the year, and of Mortlock.

Macqueen was also particularly pleased the side came through without any injuries.

“If you'd asked me before the game where I'd like to be at the end of this, it's pretty close to where I'd like to be.”

AAP

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/melbourne-rebels-provide-hope-ahead-of-super-rugby-debut/story-e6frg7o6-1226000787313

Tana Umaga says he could answer an SOS from Graham Henry if the All Blacks coach wants him to wear black again in this World Cup year.

Sunday News told Umaga we'd heard persistent rumours, including from a former All Black, that he was available to play for New Zealand again now he was back here permanently.

And the 37-year-old legend didn't rule out the possibility of that happening, confirming it after playing for the Chiefs in their 28-26 Super Rugby trial match win over the Highlanders in Taupo yesterday.

While it might be a long shot that Umaga would add to his 74 tests, he said he would seriously consider it if asked.

"Those things are out of my hands but if you play well enough, you never know.

"I'll just try to concentrate on what I'm doing here at the Chiefs and a bit like last year [at Counties Manukau] play well for my team and it's up to the higher powers to decide what happens.

"It would take a lot of thinking on my part. It's up another level altogether and it's something I'll have to really sit down and think about.''

Umaga played the first half of yesterday's game, linking nicely with first-five Mike Delany and the rest of the backline.

He took 10 minutes to find his feet but later said he felt comfortable making the jump from provincial to Super Rugby.

"I didn't think it was as fast as everyone was talking about. Maybe that was because we were on defence all the time.

"But I think back a few years and we tried to play that way quite a bit [at the Hurricanes], especially in 1997. But then they had all of these rule changes so teams were able to slow the game down a bit.

"For me, this was about getting a hit-out and experiencing the heat and speed of the game.

"I had problems holding onto the ball today but I wasn't the only one. It was a bit difficult out there with a lot of sweat all over the ball.''

At Counties last year Umaga limited the number of games he played, taking regular weeks off. But at the Chiefs he plans to be available for every game.

"I'm going to prepare like I'm going to play every week. That way, if something happens, I'll be ready. I don't want to pick out my games and say 'I'll play this one but not that one'."

With Ma'a Nonu and Sonny Bill Williams in a battle for the black No 12 jersey and Luke McAlister fit again, it would probably take injuries and some outsanding Super Rugby form for Umaga to come into calculations.

But he has vast experience, including 21 tests as All Black captain and two World Cup campaigns under his belt.

13,013 to a warmup game??

My god

Is Umaga past it? I haven't seen him play in ages.

Rabble Rebels: it's shaping to be a very long year for the battered new boys

Greg Growden
February 19, 2011


..IT WILL be an excruciatingly long season for the Melbourne Rebels, and the Waratahs should finish on top of the Australian conference if they continue using their opportunities as wisely as they did last night.

Once the Waratahs found their rhythm, they looked threatening. That took a little while because as expected the Rebels were going to make a big huff and puff about this historic occasion, and it was only after about 20 minutes before the Waratahs actually saw the ball.

But when they did, they played in a completely different manner to the Rebels. The Rebels went for the old bump and grind physical game, and compressed themselves in the middle of the field. That played right into the hands of an excellent Waratahs defensive line, which sucked all the energy out of the Rebels.

When the Waratahs were eventually allowed to have possession for more than a few seconds, they were far more expansive, employed cut-out passes at the right time, and five-eighth Berrick Barnes used his outside-centre Rob Horne well to ensure pace rather than passion was the defining factor.

The Waratahs showed they are a team confident in their attack-oriented structure, and know exactly what they have to do - making full use of their back line, which is one of the best in the competition. The understanding is there. Barnes knew exactly where to kick in the 32nd minute to put winger Drew Mitchell away. And they knew how to use Kurtley Beale in the most constructive way from fullback, while a more carefree Luke Burgess relished the chance to go here, there and everywhere from the scrumbase. Up front, the Waratahs overwhelmed. All this succeeded in decimating an opposition that became more and more disorganised.

At least you cannot complain that the Rebels are boring.

Even before their first game, you had to admire their entertainment value. There was the hilarity of Rebels officials this week throwing out the line that they would embark on a hybrid form of football involving NRL and AFL tactics, prompting Waratahs coach Chris Hickey to make the cutting remark that they will go to Melbourne to play rugby and see what happens. What happened was that they were easy first-round winners, and whatever the hapless Rebels were playing, it was not a hybrid brand you would rush out to buy.

For a little while it had some value, with a bash and barge game succeeding in having the Waratahs back-pedalling for the first quarter at least. But then the skill factor took over, and the Rebels were shown up badly. Also the Rebels were so giddy by having to run around and around in circles pre-game trying to deny there was a problem with their star signing Danny Cipriani. There was a discipline issue, but that apparently was a long time ago. Hmmmm. What cannot be avoided is that it is very strange for a new province's big name to be sitting on the bench for their first game.

And how baffling that was became even more apparent when after just eight minutes, the Rebels replaced journeyman James Hilgendorf with Cipriani, and the big star made a difference. An astute chip kick straight away indicated his worth, and Cipriani appeared the only Rebel who was going to seriously scare the Waratahs.

But he didn't have much support, and the inevitable happened. The Waratahs worked wonders. The Rebels became a rabble.


http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/rabble-rebels-its-shaping-to-be-a-very-long-year-for-the-battered-new-boys-20110218-1azw1.html

Melbourne Rebels already have 8,000 plus members and have set a target of 16k for the first season.

Blues! Yeooooow!

Rebels star recruit Danny Cipriani under investigation

From: AAP February 24, 2011

THE Melbourne Rebels are investigating an alleged nightclub incident last weekend involving their high-profile English rugby recruit Danny Cipriani.

The 23-year-old allegedly helped himself to a bottle of alcohol at a Prahran nightclub following his team's 43-0 loss in their debut Super Rugby match against NSW.

Management at the 161 nightclub on Chapel St reportedly asked Cipriani to leave the venue at around 4am on Saturday morning.

But police were not called.

A spokesperson for the Rebels said investigations were continuing.

“We are looking into it and will speak to Danny today but we won't be making any statement about it before the game,” the spokesperson said.

The Rebels host the Brumbies in their round two match at AAMI Park tomorrow night.

Cipriani was known for his playboy lifestyle in the UK and string of celebrity girlfriends.

Since his arrival in Melbourne he's become a regular along the nightclub strip and has been linked to singer Tamara Jaber, ex-wife of radio and television personality Kyle Sandilands, as well as former Neighbours star Stephanie McIntosh.

AAP

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/rebels-star-recruit-danny-cipriani-under-investigation/story-fn6atwd0-1226011423285

Rebels 25 - Brumbies 24

Fantastic match. Melbourne would have to play Cipriani in the no. 10 role from now on, he was great value. Good to see Huxley play really well after his health problems also

Chiefs show Rebels no mercy at Waikato Stadium

From: AFP March 05, 2011

THE Chiefs broke their home-ground hoodoo to down the Melbourne Rebels with a 38-10 victory at the Waikato Stadium.
The home side outscored the Rebels by four tries to one, all converted by flyhalf Stephen Donald, who also landed four penalties for a match haul of 18 points.

The bonus-point win was the Chiefs' first taste of success this season and their first on their home ground since they beat the Hurricanes in the Super 14 semi-finals nearly two years ago.

The Rebels had arrived in Hamilton full of confidence after securing a victory in their second ever match when they beat the ACT Brumbies last week but they soon found success can be fickle.

In a match of contrasting styles they came off second best. The Rebels relied of the powerful boots of Danny Cipriani and Mark Gerrard to force the Chiefs on the back foot.

But it was not enough to counter the Waikato side's determination to grind their way into attacking positions in the wet conditions through their well-drilled forward pack.

“We just tried to get a good platform for our backs and the forwards did well,” said stand-in captain Liam Messam, who took over the leadership from Mils Muliaina who went off injured early in the match.

“Execution let us down in the last two weeks and to do it in this type of weather is pleasing.”

Rebels captain Stirling Mortlock said his side was still developing at Super rugby level and would improve.

“We've got to be a little bit smarter about how we do things. We're learning on the run and tonight we weren't good enough.”

Donald and Cipriani exchanged early penalties and the score remained locked at 3-3 until the Chiefs broke through with an unanswered 23-point scoring burst either side of half-time.

In the countdown to the break Donald landed two further penalties and converted a try set up by Isaac Ross and finished by Sitiveni Sivivatu for the Chiefs to turn with a 16-3 lead.

When play resumed, Donald landed another penalty and converted Leila Masaga's first try after the right wing was put in the clear by veteran centre Tana Umaga.

The Rebels showed signs they were not a spent force when powerful backrow Gareth Delve wrestled his way across the line, with Cipriani's conversion closing the gap to 10-26 with 20 minutes to play.

But in the closing stages the Chiefs came back with a try for replacement front rower Sona Taumalolo and a second for Masaga following an 80-metre burst up the touchline after he was again put into space by Umaga.

The Chiefs next week travel to Wellington to play the Hurricanes while the Rebels return home to host the Sharks.

AFP
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/chiefs-show-rebels-no-mercy-at-waikato-stadium/story-e6frg7o6-1226016425467

That was a super match. How good is Mark Gerrard. Wow. Brumbies had that much posession. Great effort from the Rebels

Rebels smash Hurricanes 42-25

Melissa Woods
March 25, 2011 - 8:39PM
.AAP

Before their Super Rugby debut the Melbourne Rebels declared they wanted to make AAMI Park their "stockade".

And they're well on the way, claiming another scalp at AAMI Park as they came from 17-0 down to hammer the Hurricanes 42-25 on Friday night.

Coach Rod Macqueen must be mystified by the erratic performances of his side, this match coming after last round's 50-point humiliation at the hands of Queensland.

It was the Rebels' second win at home, while they almost toppled the competition-leading Sharks in Melbourne in round four.

The Super newcomers looked in line for another drubbing when they trailed 17-0 after 17 minutes, with tries to Chris Eaton, Victor Vito and Daniel Kirkpatrick, while they had missed almost as many tackles.

But momentum started to shift soon after as the home side started their fight-back with former Test prop Rodney Blake scoring in his Rebels debut.

Second-rower Al Campbell then scored the first of his two tries for the match as he barrelled over the line after some good lead-up work by the forwards and with flanker Michael Lipman following with his own four-pointer they were back in the game.

Talented five-eighth Danny Cipriani, who had another fine game, then locked up the scoreline at 20-20 on the halftime hooter when he booted a penalty from the halfway line.

Any sniff the Hurricanes had of regaining control was quickly extinguished with the home side starting the second half the same way they finished the first.

The Rebels threw everything at the Wellington side, making the most of their quick ball with Campbell's second try coming in the 49th minute.

Winger Cooper Vuna then got in on the act, firstly scoring one for himself and then standing up the defence before he got a ball back inside for impressive halfback Nick Phipps to touch down.

With Cipriani adding the extras the Rebels were out to 42-20 and the match was theirs for the keeping.

The Hurricanes showed some spirit to add a late try to reserve hooker Dane Coles but it was the Rebels celebrating in front of their vocal home crowd of almost 17,000.

http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-sport/rebels-smash-hurricanes-4225-20110325-1ca7a.html

Rugby union back to basics

MARYANNE TWENTYMAN Last updated 12:00 08/04/2011


Cash-strapped Waikato Rugby Union is to tackle rugby from a grassroots level in a bid to turn around months of poor gate-takings and a woeful financial situation.

The change in focus is being supported by city rugby clubs and former players such as Matthew Cooper, who warned fans not to lose sight of how important rugby was to the community.

"Rugby has always been a special part of growing up in the Waikato and because of that we have to remember the role rugby plays in our society, so any alignment back to the community has to be positive."

But he called for a "collective approach" by all stakeholders to boost numbers at games.

In a rare move, the WRU met with Waikato Rugby Supporters Club members this week to discuss ways of attracting more people to games.

Supporters club president Wayne Albiston said it was a fantastic opportunity to put their ideas and pledge their support.

"As a group we have always felt quite distanced from the rugby union, so this was a good way of sharing ideas and getting a better insight."

His committee met WRU marketing manager Paul Shattock, who said he was thrilled to open up better lines of communication with the "lifeblood of our union".

Mr Shattock outlined the union's desire to focus on the community and engage with fans, a mission that includes a full-page advertisement in tomorrow's Waikato Times outlining the challenges ahead.

One concern was people's perception that the Chiefs and the Waikato union were the same.

"Basically we want to break down for the fans exactly what the union does and get them excited about the future."

Chiefs CEO Gary Dawson did not want to comment on the WRU's campaign but agreed there were misconceptions around the two rugby bodies.

"There are some who believe that the Waikato union own the Chiefs but they don't – we have separate boards and management."

He also distanced the Chiefs from the WRU's financial woes.

"The money that Waikato (RFU) owes the council – some people think the Chiefs are part of that, but the Chiefs don't owe any money at all."

The WRU's commitment was supported by local clubs such as Fraser-Tech, whose president Colin Mitchell said the new focus was "a good idea".

"I think it will put bums on seats. Look at the likes of Southland and Hawke's Bay where the community has really embraced their local teams."

But those unions have also enjoyed good form in recent years, something Hamilton Old Boys' president Stephen Shale believed was crucial to draw crowds.

"Our club fully supports the union, but I can see it being difficult trying to attract families when games are played at night." he said.

"My eight-year-old son loves going to games but when he is still standing in line to get an autograph at 10pm it's hardly ideal."

- Waikato Times

http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/sport/4863827/Rugby-union-back-to-basics

Southland rugby 'to lead way'

JARED MORGAN Last updated 05:00 08/04/2011

Proponents of a $1.5 million rescue package to the financially ailing Rugby Southland predict not only will a slicker union emerge, but it will set the model for other unions.

The Invercargill Licensing Trust and ILT Foundation and Community Trust of Southland contributions to Rugby Southland are assured once they receive the much-anticipated change manager's report on the southern union.

At an Invercargill Licensing Trust board meeting yesterday, general manager Greg Mulvey said he believed the report into the union's collapse – and outlining the way forward – was "imminent" and he hoped a "financially responsible" Rugby Southland would emerge.

Mr Mulvey said he hoped one outcome would be the union paying players only what it could afford and that Rugby Southland could set the model for other unions to follow in terms of cash played to talent.

The "forensic" examination of Rugby Southland's operations was something "that needed to happen", but the focus should now be on moving forward and reinforcing rugby in the province, Mr Mulvey said.

Key to the success of the union was the appointment of a boss: "A general manager or CEO was needed yesterday.

"(We need) a financially responsible union that sets its own salary caps based on what they can afford to pay, but I hope other unions will follow suit."

He conceded that could lead to an erosion of the player base to more lucrative contracts.

Board member John Young was sceptical: "But that's the way of professional sport," he said, likening it to English English football clubs such as Chelsea.

Mr Mulvey replied: "You would hope all rugby unions take the same approach."

Another board member, Sean Bellew, said Southland rugby was still high in the public consciousness following Ranfurly Shield fever, successful seasons and a pool of talent and that gave a reborn Rugby Southland some strength.

Invercargill Licensing Trust president Alan Dennis said the general consensus was that Rugby Southland would be a slicker outfit into the future.

After the meeting, Community Trust of Southland chief executive John Prendergast confirmed its contribution was also a given.

"I think we are going to see a competition structure that is affordable for unions."

A finalised change manager's report would be released next Wednesday, Mr Prendergast said.

The New Zealand Rugby Union has fronted up with a $500,000 loan while the licensing trust and Community Trust of Southland will hand over $500,000 each, pending the change manager's report.

The Community Trust of Southland has committed $250,000 in funding for the next two seasons.

- The Southland Times

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/sport/4862428/Southland-rugby-to-lead-way

Cash woes force unions to scrap second XV sides

GLENN MCLEAN Last updated 08:07 02/03/2011

Taranaki rugby officials are struggling to find games for their development team as cash-strapped unions cull their second-tier teams to save money.

Seven of the country's top unions – Wellington, Waikato, Southland, Otago, Taranaki, Manawatu and Counties- Manukau – have already signalled they have sustained heavy losses through 2010, while Auckland, Northland, Bay Of Plenty and North Harbour are yet to announce their financial performance.

With 2011 predicted to be even tougher on unions because of a congested national provincial programme due to the World Cup, many are believed to be drastically cutting budgets.

"We've had to work bloody hard to try and secure games for our development team," Taranaki Rugby Football Union development manager Michael Collins said yesterday.

"A lot of the unions have expressed to me that it is not purely financial. They are saying that as well as it being financial, there is the World Cup, the structure of the ITM Cup and the number of players that they are going to chew through."

The Taranaki development team played nine matches in 2010, making the final of the Hurricanes regional competition, and Collins said the union was holding strong on its view that the team was a vital component in the growth of its academy and second-tier players.

While he would not confirm who Taranaki would be playing, Collins said he believed they had put a "really good programme in place" for their development team, which would consist of five or six matches.

"It will be one that is a wee bit different to previous years and it will challenge the team.

"The programme is essential for our players who we see in the ITM Cup one or two years down the track and that is why we have been working so hard to get that programme in place."

At the start of the year, Taranaki chief executive Mark Robinson signalled the union would announce a loss of more than $100,000 for the 2010 financial year because of cost over-runs.

That figure looks good in contrast to a large number of unions that said they were expecting losses of between $200,000 and $478,000.

Hawke's Bay, in contrast, announced yesterday that it had posted a $31,750 profit, while Canterbury and Tasman are both forecasting they will be in the black for 2010 to the tune of $100,000.

Collins admitted he was surprised by the attitude of the unions not prepared to forge on with development teams, despite the tough economic times.

"I'm a little disappointed by it but I don't know what is going on with those unions," he said.

"It's their business and they have to navigate their way through things as they see fit.

"We think it is really important for our players to come out of club rugby and play against quality provincial competition."

Collins also felt it was equally important for Taranaki's up-and-coming coaches to have that level of competition, including last year's management team of Michael Collins and Andrew Slater, who had both been re-appointed to their roles for 2011.

"We are trying to develop managers, physios and medical staff as well, so it's right across the board for us really and it is really important."

- Taranaki Daily News

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/4721024/Cash-woes-force-unions-to-scrap-second-XV-sides

Highlanders pile more misery on Cheetahs

From: AP April 08, 2011

ALL Blacks flanker Adam Thomson scored two tries in a match-winning performance as the Highlanders beat South Africa's Cheetahs 24-21 at Carisbrook.

Thomson scored a try in each half as the Highlanders built a 17-14 lead by half-time and improved their season record to five wins from seven matches.

The athletic blindside flanker, battling for a place in New Zealand's World Cup squad, was inspirational for the Otago side as it extended a strong start to the season and left the luckless Cheetahs with only one win from eight games.

The Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs missed more than 27 tackles in a loss which kept them at the foot of the championship table.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/highlanders-pile-more-misery-on-cheetahs/story-e6frg7o6-1226036214898

Crusaders tame Bulls in shut-out

Updated 9:35 PM Saturday Apr 9, 2011

The Crusaders extended their lead at the top of the New Zealand conference with a shutout 27-0 Super rugby win over the Bulls in Timaru tonight.

The South Africans, who also started the game with four wins from six games, were taken apart and rarely threatened the superb Crusaders defence.

Their best chance came in the closing two minutes of play, and even then the Crusaders defended ferociously to force the turnover and deny the visitors any semblance of respectability.

Right from the start, the Crusaders' ball retention was impressive and - starved of possession and territory - the South Africans grew increasingly frustrated.

The Bulls renowned kick-and-chase game was conspicuous by its absence, and the Crusaders excelled in creating space out wide when they moved the ball at pace.

They were without star back and goalkicker Dan Carter, who is still nursing a hamstring strain and although replacement Matt Berquist's kicking for goal was average, the Crusaders' superb backline still functioned with its accustomed pace and flair.

After Berquist opened the scoring with a 10th minute penalty, second five-eighth Sonny Bill Williams crossed for his third try of the season five minutes later.

Williams carved through some indifferent midfield defence, then powered over the line in three tackles for the try.

Berquist missed the conversion, but added two more penalties - the second on the stroke of halftime - to give the Crusaders a 14-0 lead at the break.

Veteran lock Chris Jack, in for the injured Sam Whitelock, belied his years with a solid performance, stealing a lineout throw from Bulls captain Victor Matfield in the first half and impressing in loose play with some strong running.

It took just three minutes of the second stanza before the Crusaders added to their scoreline, fullback Israel Dagg showing real strength to power over for the try after a mazy run from winger Zac Guildford.

The Crusaders dominated at the set pieces, their speed at the breakdown and in recycling the ball keeping the Bulls consistently on the back foot.

However, it took another 30 minutes before the Crusaders crossed again, although Berquist kept the score ticking over with a penalty 20 minutes in.

Again, good hands and ball speed featured, Berquist handling well before the dangerous Robbie Fruean drew two defenders and offloaded for replacement second five-eighth Tom Marshall to cross for the try.

Crusaders 27 (Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Sonny Bill Williams tries Matthew Berquist 4 pens) bt Bulls 0 at Alpine Energy Stadium. Referee: Jonathan White.

- NZPA
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10717736