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CLINICAL SECOND HALF SETS UP BIG WALLABIES WIN IN CANBERRA

17/09/2017, International, Rugby, Castrol Edge Rugby Championship, Article # 24174362
 
 

CLINICAL SECOND HALF SETS UP BIG WALLABIES WIN IN CANBERRA

SEPTEMBER 16, 2017

The Qantas Wallabies have broken out a five-try second half blitz to register their first win of the 2017 Rugby Championship, with a resounding 45-20 victory over Argentina at an icy GIO Stadium.

Trailing 13-10 going into the break after a frustrating opening half, the Wallabies eventually found their top gear and produced some of their finest attacking Rugby of the tournament.

Israel Folau scored two tries, taking his total to seven for the year for the Wallabies, while Sekope Kepu, Will Genia, Nick Phipps and rookie Test hooker Jordan Uelese also found the tryline.

After an opening half where the Australians were camped in their own territory for over three-quarters of the half, it was Kepu’s try under the posts which sparked the men in gold to a dominant second forty minutes.

Both flyhalves traded penalties in the opening quarter of the match as neither side was able to establish clear domination, leaving the score at 3-3 until a quarter of the way through.

Argentina’s weight of territory and possession eventually told when scrumhalf Martin Landajo dived over for the opening try, which had to be cleared by the TMO after referee John Lacey wanted to check for an obstruction.

The Wallabies countered strongly and five minutes later they moved the ball through hands to the left before coming all the way back to the right side of the field where a deft pass by Bernard Foley allowed Israel Folau to find space out wide and score, levelling the scores at 10-10.

The Argentinians continued to advance into Wallaby territory and a penalty inside the red zone allowed Sanchez to take back the lead for the visitors at the break.

A determined Wallabies outfit emerged from the dressing rooms and signalled their intentions early in the second stanza when Kurtley Beale opted for a quick tap when a penalty was awarded close to the tryline. Moments later the Australians capitalised when Kepu crashed over.

Australia doubled down on their lead with a second try to Folau after a beautifully woven backline attack, set up by Kurtley Beale. Foley converted to take the score to 24-13 after 52 minutes.

The Pumas twice had golden opportunities to hit back, but both promising raids were thwarted, first by Folau who charged out and tipped a pass in the air when Argentina had a two-man overlap and again when Sean McMahon made a powerful stop on Pumas winger Matias Moroni as he honed in at the line.

The Wallabies scrum dominated the Argentinian pack and after several collapses and some aggressive Captaining from Michael Hooper replacement prop Enrique Pieretto was shown a yellow card.

The home side capitalised on the one-man advantage, scoring immediately after when Will Genia darted around from the base of the scrum.

It was then Genia’s replacement Nick Phipps who chimed in after a flashy run by McMahon and scored another for the Wallabies just three minutes later, ending any chance of a South American resistance.

A late try to Matias Moroni showed some of his individual flair, kicking over the top of the defence to regather and score in the corner. But the Australians would have the final say in a fitting finale to their Rugby Championship campaign on home soil.

In just his second match, Australian U20s star Jordan Uelese dotted down in the 80th minute of the match, his first ever Test try as the Wallabies capped off a night to remember.

The Wallabies will continue their Rugby Championship campaign when they meet South Africa in Bloemfontein on October 1.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
6 mins: Bernard Foley pen AUS 3-0 ARG
15 mins: Nicholas Sanchez pen AUS 3-3 ARG  
24 mins: Martin Landajo try, Nicholas Sanchez con AUS 10-3 ARG
29 mins: Israel Folau try, Bernard Foley con AUS 10-10 ARG
36 mins: Nicholas Sanchez pen AUS 10-13 ARG
HALF TIME
49 mins: Sekope Kepu try, Bernard Foley con AUS 17-13 ARG  
52 mins: Israel Folau try, Bernard Foley con AUS 24-13 ARG  
72 mins: Will Genia try, Bernard Foley con AUS 31-13 ARG
75 mins: Nick Phipps try, Bernard Foley con AUS 38-13
77 mins: Matias Moroni try, Nicholas Sanchez con AUS 38-20 ARG
80 mins: Jordan Uelese try, Bernard Foley con AUS 45-20 ARG
FULL TIME

Australia 45 (Israel Folau 2, Sekope Kepu, Will Genia, Nick Phipps, Jordan Uelese tries; Bernard Foley 6 cons; pen) defeated Argentina 20 (Martin Landajo, Matias Moroni tries; Nicholas Sanchez 2 cons; Nicholas Sanchez 2 pens) 
 
 
QANTAS WALLABIES AND SOUTH AFRICA PLAY OUT EPIC DRAW IN PERTH

QANTAS WALLABIES AND SOUTH AFRICA PLAY OUT EPIC DRAW IN PERTH

10/09/2017, International, Rugby, Castrol Edge Rugby Championship, Article # 24092327
 
 

QANTAS WALLABIES AND SOUTH AFRICA PLAY OUT EPIC DRAW IN PERTH

SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

The Qantas Wallabies and South Africa have played out an absorbing 23-23 draw in an emotional Test match at nib Stadium in Perth on Saturday night.

Both sides scored twice in a thrilling encounter in front of a crowd of mostly blue-clad supporters.

A sublime performance from Kurtley Beale put Australia in good stead in the first half, the creative back causing trouble for the visitors with almost every touch.

Remarkably, in the 84 Test matches between the rival nations, there has only ever been two drawn matches and both have unfolded in Perth. The first drawn Test was in 2001 at Subiaco Oval (14-14).

Beale scored the Wallabies opening try and Tatafu Polota-Nau added a second off a driving maul early in the second half, but in the end the two sides were forced to shared the spoils.

South Africa took the early lead when Sekope Kepu was penalised for infringing at the lineout allowing Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies to slot the penalty.

Bernard Foley countered with three points for the Wallabies after the visitors were pinged for laying in the ruck.

A tight affair had unfolded before a piece of broken play brilliance by Jesse Kriel opened the try-scoring for the night. Kriel swooped on a turnover ball and kicked ahead for his winger Raymond Rhule, but Rhule collected a cover-defending Michael Hooper on the way to the ball and Kriel was on the spot to pick up the loose ball and plant it down in the corner. Elton Jantjies’ kick from the sideline bounced through off the crossbar to give the Springboks a 10-3 lead.

Australia’s pain was short-lived as Israel Folau swatted the ball back from the ensuing restart to a waiting Adam Coleman to put the Wallabies on the attack. From the next play, Beale took the ball and used some dazzling footwork to slice through and provide an immediate answer.

On the cusp of half time, Australia earned a penalty which Foley converted from long range to give the home team a narrow 13-10 advantage at the break.

The Wallabies shot out of the blocks in the second stanza and after hammering the South Africa line for multiple phases, hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau crashed over to open up a 10-point cushion following Foley’s conversion.

Elton Jantjies brought the Springboks to within striking distance in the 54th minute, adding a penalty goal to move them within a converted try.  

Moments later, the Springboks looked to have a try for all money when Jan Serfontein burst through and set fly for the line, only to be dragged down metres short in a courageous effort from Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper who reeled him in after flying across from the far side of the field.

With momentum swinging towards the visitors, South Africa capitalised on their territorial advantage with a powerful rolling maul providing hooker Malcolm Marx with his first Test try and levelling the scores at 20-20.  

Both sides traded penalties as they looked to edge out a lead but as the minutes counted down the two sides continued to show desperation in defence.

Another penalty goal each set the ledger at 23-all with 10 minutes remaining, but that’s where the scoring ended.

The Springboks had one look at a drop goal inside the final three minutes, but Jantjies’ attempt was charged down by the advancing Wallabies line.

The Wallabies will now head to Canberra to host Argentina at GIO Stadium next Saturday 16 September. They sit third in The Rugby Championship standings (3 points from 3 matches) behind leaders New Zealand (14) and South Africa (11).

HOW IT HAPPENED:
4 mins: Elton Jantjies pen AUS 0-3 RSA
8 mins: Bernard Foley pen AUS 3-3 RSA
25 mins: Jesse Kriel try, Elton Jantjies con AUS 3-10 RSA
28 mins: Kurtley Beale try, Bernard Foley con AUS 10-10 RSA
40 mins: Bernard Foley pen AUS 13-10 RSA
HALF TIME
46 mins: Tatafu Polota-Nau try, Bernard Foley con AUS 20-10 RSA
54 mins: Elton Jantjies pen AUS 20-13 RSA
59 mins: Malcolm Marx try, Elton Jantjies con AUS 20-20 RSA
67 mins: Elton Jantjies pen AUS 20-23 RSA
70 mins: Bernard Foley pen AUS 23-23 RSA
FULL TIME

Australia 23 (Kurtley Beale, Tatafu Polota-Nau tries; Bernard Foley 2 cons; 3 pens) drew with South Africa 23 (Jesse Kriel, Malcolm Marx tries; Elton Jantjies 2 cons; 3 pens) 
 
 
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QANTAS WALLABIES DENIED IN AUCKLAND

QANTAS WALLABIES DENIED IN AUCKLAND

22/10/2016, International, Rugby, Castrol Edge Rugby Championship, Article # 19871177
 
 

QANTAS WALLABIES DENIED IN AUCKLAND

OCTOBER 22, 2016
The Qantas Wallabies have been denied in Auckland after falling 37-10 to New Zealand in a match which featured a huge momentum swing in the early stages of the second half.

Trailing by five points shortly after the break, Australia was refused a match-levelling try by the TMO when Dane Haylett-Petty was ruled to have impeded a would-be defender behind the play. From there, the All Blacks scored 22 unanswered points to streak away the win - a world record 18th Test victory in a row.

The Wallabies had an early opportunity to draw first blood but Bernard Foley pushed his penalty goal attempt wide inside the opening four minutes.

The missed opportunity for the Wallabies only served to spark the New Zealanders into action as they turned on their attack, producing a string of offloads before breaking through for a try to Israel Dagg who finished off some clever work on the inside from fullback Ben Smith.

The All Blacks were on the scoreboard again minutes later when Henry Speight, playing his first Test of the year, miscued on an attempted intercept which presented Anton Lienert-Brown with a clear passage to the line.

The Wallabies regrouped and began to show good signs with the ball, halting the momentum of the home side and creating some opportunities of their own. Eventually they converted their ascendency into points, when giant lock Rory Arnold pushed through a hole created by Foley and reached out to score. Foley’s conversion closed the gap to 10-7 with ten minutes to play in the half.

Just a minute later the men in gold had a chance to draw level, although Reece Hodge’s attempt at penalty goal from beyond half way was off the mark. Soon Hodge was in the action again, this time when he had a clearing kick charged down by TJ Perenara who chased through and pounced on the loose ball in-goal to register the All Blacks’ third try of the night.

The wayward boot of Beauden Barrett, who missed all three of his conversion attempts, kept the Wallabies within eight points at the break despite the three-tries-to-one differential.

The margin was cut to five when Foley slotted a penalty goal in the 43rd minute, before suddenly, the game was flipped on its head. What seemed a certain try to Henry Speight was sensationally denied after Dane Haylett-Petty was ruled to have impeded All Blacks winger Julian Savea behind the play after Foley dummied and sliced through the defence to send Speight over in the corner.

When the Wallabies went on another raid minutes later on the same side of the field, Ben Smith swooped on a loose ball and kicked ahead for Julian Savea who did the rest on an eighty-metre runaway try. Soon enough, Savea would revisit the tryline when he bumped off Speight and Hodge on another tearing run down the right sideline, before Dane Coles added another try four minutes later to put it all beyond doubt.

Bernard Foley, in his return to flyhalf, was brilliant in attack but the Wallabies never regained their momentum after the key disallowed try.

How it happened:
6 mins: Israel Dagg try AUS 0-5 NZL
11 mins: Anton Lienert-Brown try AUS 0-10 NZL
29 mins: Rory Arnold try, Bernard Foley con AUS 7-10 NZL
34 mins: TJ Perenara try AUS 7-15 NZL
HALF TIME
43 mins: Bernard Foley pen AUS 10-15 NZL
54 mins: Julian Savea try, Aaron Cruden con AUS 10-22 NZL
65 mins: Aaron Cruden pen AUS 10-25 NZL
69 mins: Julian Savea try, Aaron Cruden con AUS 10-32 NZL
73 mins: Dane Coles try AUS 10-37 NZL
FULL TIME
 
New Zealand 37 (Julian Savea 2, Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, TJ Perenara, Dane Coles tries; Aaron Cruden 2 cons; pen) defeated Australia 10 (Rory Arnold try; Bernard Foley con; pen)
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QANTAS WALLABIES DEFEAT ARGENTINA TO FINISH SECOND IN RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

QANTAS WALLABIES DEFEAT ARGENTINA TO FINISH SECOND IN RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

09/10/2016, International, Rugby, Castrol Edge Rugby Championship, Article # 19692611
 
 

QANTAS WALLABIES DEFEAT ARGENTINA TO FINISH SECOND IN RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

SUNDAY OCTOBER 10, 2016
The Qantas Wallabies have defeated Argentina at Twickenham in London 33-21, finishing the 2016 Rugby Championship in second place behind New Zealand. 

The match was the first time a Rugby Championship Test had been played in the Northern Hemisphere and continued Australia’s excellent recent record at Twickenham with five wins out of six at the venue since the beginning of last year’s Rugby World Cup.

Qantas Wallabies Captain, Stephen Moore said: “It was a very important game for us. We have a lot of young guys in this team who probably haven’t played at this stadium before. I think they learned a lot from tonight.

“Our desperation in defence (was key). They had a lot of possession out there. We hung tight together and tackled well. We didn’t let them over the line and that’s what won us the game.”

In a frenetic start by both sides it was the Wallabies who took first blood with a try to lock, Adam Coleman who powered his way through Argentinian defence to reach out and score. Bernard Foley converted to grab an early 7-0 lead for the visitors.

Matius Alemanno scored Argentina’s first try when the Wallabies were reduced to 14 men with vice-captain Michael Hooper sent to the sin bin for a high tackle.

It was a short-lived swing of momentum in the first quarter with Bernard Foley adding his second penalty of the match to extend the Wallabies lead to 13-5.

A try to centre Samu Kerevi extended Australia’s lead in the first half but the Argentinians clawed back when flyhalf Santiago González Iglesias slotted a penalty goal to close the gap to 8-18 at the interval.

The second half saw a much more willing Argentina shoot out of the blocks and capitalise on a defensive error by the men in gold to register the first points, ignoring a penalty option and taking a quick tap which allowed Jeronimo de la Fuente to barge over.

With the margin at just three points, both sides muscled up in defence before eventually the circuit breaker came through Samu Kerevi on the counter attack, after Michael Hooper disrupted the Pumas attack and gathered the loose ball and popped it up to the powerful centre who raced away to grab his second five-pointer of the night and extend the Wallabies lead to 25-15.

Two penalties to Los Pumas reduced the margin again with Santiago González Iglesias making no mistakes with both attempts to leave the score at 21-25.

After Bernard Foley booted the Aussies another three points clear, the margin remained a converted try before an intercept try to veteran replacement lock Dean Mumm four minutes from full time sealed the result.

The Argentinians never relented throughout the contest but the final score of 33-21 was indicative of the Wallabies’ dominance at key times in the contest and commitment in defence, despite losing two key forwards to the sin bin during the match.

The performance will have pleased Coach Michael Cheika, with many of his younger brigade stepping up. Samu Kerevi delivered a man of the match performance, while lock Adam Coleman continued his ascendency at Test level.

Michael Hooper was again in everything and it was his hustle in defence which led to the Pumas mistake to set up Kerevi’s second try.

Australia will now return home to prepare for their third and final clash against the all-conquering All Blacks in 2016 as they look to finally end their 30-year Eden Park drought.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
5 mins: Adam Coleman try, Bernard Foley con ARG 0-7 AUS
10 mins: Bernard Foley pen, ARG 0-10 AUS
21 mins: Matius Alemanno try ARG 5-10 AUS
26 mins: Bernard Foley pen, ARG 5-13 AUS
38 mins: Samu Kerevi try, ARG 5-18 AUS
41 mins: Santiago González Iglesias pen, ARG 8-18 AUS
44 mins: Jeronimo de la Fuente try, Santiago González Iglesias con, ARG 15-18 AUS
49 mins: Samu Kerevi try, Bernard Foley con ARG 15-25 AUS
55 mins: Santiago González Iglesias pen, ARG 18-25 AUS
70 mins: Santiago González Iglesias pen, ARG 21-25 AUS
74 mins: Bernard Foley pen, ARG 21-28 AUS
77 mins: Dean Mumm try, ARG 21-33 AUS
 
Australia 33 (Samu Kerevi 2, Adam Coleman, Dean Mumm tries; Bernard Foley 2 cons; 3 pens)defeated Argentina 21 (Matius Alemanno, Jeronimo de la Fuente tries; Santiago González Iglesias con; 3 pens)
 
 
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All Blacks team named for Durban Test against South Africa

All Blacks team named for Durban Test against South Africa

06/10/2016, International, Rugby, Castrol Edge Rugby Championship, Article # 19657775
New Zealand Rugby Media Release
6 October 2016
  All Blacks Media Advisory  
    AllBlacks.com | Small Blacks | Community Rugby | Facebook | Twitter | Google+    
         
    All Blacks team named for Durban Test against
South Africa		    
     
   

The All Blacks team to play South Africa in the final Investec Rugby Championship Test at Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban, onSaturday 8 October, has been named.

The matchday 23 is (with Test caps in brackets):

1. Joe Moody (18)
2. Dane Coles (44)
3. Owen Franks (85)
4. Brodie Retallick (55)
5. Samuel Whitelock (80)
6. Jerome Kaino (72)
7. Matt Todd (4)
8. Kieran Read - capt (92)
9.  TJ Perenara (24)
10. Beauden Barrett (44)
11. Waisake Naholo (7)
12. Ryan Crotty (22)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (4)
14. Israel Dagg (56)
15. Ben Smith (56)

16. Codie Taylor (9)
17. Wyatt Crockett (53)
18. Charlie Faumuina (40)
19. Liam Squire (4)
20. Ardie Savea (7)
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (22)
22. Lima Sopoaga (4) 
23. George Moala (2)

The matchday 23 features several changes to the side which beat Argentina in Buenos Aires last weekend.

In the forwards, lock Sam Whitelock moves from the bench to the starting five jersey, replacing Patrick Tuipulotu; loose forward Jerome Kaino is back in the six jersey, with Liam Squire moving to the replacements; while Matt Todd takes over the seven jersey from Ardie Savea, who also moves to the replacements. Charlie Faumuina replaces Ofa Tu'ungafasi as one of the replacement props.

In the backs, wing Waisake Naholo returns to the matchday 23 replacing Julian Savea in the 11 jersey.  George Moala is the only other backs change in the matchday 23, coming in for Damian McKenzie in the replacements.

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: "The selectors believe we have picked a strong combination for this Test. We've been able to bring fresh players back into the group which is vital at this time of the year and allows us to continue to grow some depth.

"We are especially looking forward to this game as any Test match against South Africa is seen as one of the matches of the season.  We're expecting to be facing a very confident South African team after their win over Australia, and a torrid battle against our traditional foe.  We're expecting them to throw the kitchen sink at us," Hansen said.

"We've had a well-planned preparation this week, with the aim of ensuring that we have a full tank come Saturday, and also clarity in our game so that we can bring our own physicality and intensity to the contest."

All Blacks v South Africa - key facts

* The All Blacks and South Africa have played each other 92 times, with 54 wins to the All Blacks, 35 to South Africa and three draws. The most recent match was the 41-13 Investec Rugby Championship win to the All Blacks in Christchurch last month.
* Durban hasn't been a happy hunting ground for the All Blacks throughout history: they have played there eight times, most recently in 2009, with a record of five losses and three wins. Five of the six previous meetings at Kings Park have been decided by fewer than 10 points.
* As well as already winning the Investec Rugby Championship, the All Blacks have also scored a Rugby Championship record of 29 tries in a season and a record 205 points in a season.
* With his five pointer last weekend, Ben Smith became the first international player to score six tries in Test matches this year.

The Investec Rugby Championship - All Blacks Tests

1. Australia 8 All Blacks 42, Saturday 20 August, ANZ Stadium, SYDNEY
2. All Blacks 29 Australia 9, Saturday 27 August, Westpac Stadium, WELLINGTON
3. All Blacks 57 Argentina 22. Sat 10 September, FMG Stadium Waikato, HAMILTON
4. All Blacks 41 South Africa 13. Sat 17 September, AMI Stadium, CHRISTCHURCH
5. Argentina 17. All Blacks 36. Sat 1 Oct, Estadio Jose Amalfitani, BUENOS AIRES
6. vs. SOUTH AFRICA. Sat 8 October, 5.05PM, Growthpoint Kings Park, DURBAN
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LEROY HOUSTON JOINS WALLABIES SQUAD

LEROY HOUSTON JOINS WALLABIES SQUAD

05/10/2016, International, Rugby, Castrol Edge Rugby Championship, Article # 19644688
 
 

LEROY HOUSTON JOINS WALLABIES SQUAD

LONDON, OCTOBER 3, 2016
 
The Qantas Wallabies have re-called Leroy Houston to the squad to replace the injured Sean McMahon for the final round of The Rugby Championship against Argentina at Twickenham.
 
McMahon has been ruled out for up to a month following an ankle injury sustained in the Wallabies 18-10 loss to the Springboks in Pretoria.
 
Houston has been in fine form since re-signing with the Reds, with some fine form in the opening rounds of the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship before making an immediate impact for Bath in the Aviva Premiership, scoring a try in his return match at Recreation Ground and receiving the Aviva Player of the Round.
 
The Queensland Reds and Brisbane City number 8 has been on a short-term loan to Bath Rugby, following his return to Australia in May this year to advance his international and Super Rugby ambitions.
 
Michael Cheika is now faced with the prospect of yet another backrow combination, with McMahon joining fellow Wallabies number 8 David Pocock on the sidelines due to injury, with Houston and Wallabies rookie Lopeti Timani both in contention for selection this Saturday.
 
The Wallabies arrived in London early this morning ahead of The Rugby Championship finale and Rugby World Cup semi-final replay against Argentina at Twickenham. Tickets available atwww.ticketmaster.co.uk
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QANTAS WALLABIES SUFFER NARROW DEFEAT IN PRETORIA

QANTAS WALLABIES SUFFER NARROW DEFEAT IN PRETORIA

02/10/2016, International, Rugby, Castrol Edge Rugby Championship, Article # 19605652
 
 

QANTAS WALLABIES SUFFER NARROW DEFEAT IN PRETORIA

OCTOBER 1, 2016
 
The Qantas Wallabies have been held out by a desperate South Africa to suffer a narrow 18-10 defeat at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

In a tight defensive struggle, the boot of Morne Steyn proved the difference between the two sides as the veteran flyhalf piloted four penalty goals and two drop goals to register all of the home side's points.

The Wallabies scored the lone try of the contest, to prop Scott Sio in the opening quarter of the match, but failed to keep the scoreboard ticking over and ultimately would fall frustratingly short of a maiden win at the notorious venue.

In a fast start for the Wallabies, a break by Reece Hodge in the opening minute put the visitors on the front foot but it was the Springboks who took first points when Steyn landed a drop goal from 30 metres out in the 5th minute.

By hunting for the three points early from the boot of their veteran flyhalf, who was starting his first match since 2014 in the Springboks number 10 jersey, the South Africans set the tone for what would be a tight contest throughout.

Soon enough the Wallabies would strike though, when a midfield burst from Michael Hooper set up a try to Scott Sio. Hooper charged into a gap off a short ball from Bernard Foley and got the ball wide to Hodge who was stopped short in the corner. From there quick hands from Will Genia and Sekope Kepu saw Sio dive over untouched directly under the posts.

Foley made the conversion to set up a 10-3 lead in the 15th minute, which ultimately would prove the final points of the night for the men in gold.

A Steyn penalty goal in the 26th minute narrowed the margin to four, before he added another three points when Israel Folau was yellow-carded for taking out Bryan Habana without the ball in the 34th minute. Habana found space on the right and kicked ahead for himself as the Springboks looked for their opening try but Folau stood his ground and bumped the winger off the ball.

The Wallabies would let their narrow lead slip on the stroke of half time when they were again punished for being offsides, handing the visitors a 12-10 advantage which they would maintain until the dying minutes of the match.

Michael Cheika's men were once again left to lament key missed opportunities and couldn't find their way to the tryline despite earning some strong front-foot ball and at times producing some scintillating attack.

The visitors had chances to capitalise with two long-range penalty goal attempts in quick session, however Reece Hodge failed to convert with both from difficult position in the 50th and 52nd minutes.

After both sides continued to search for the knockout blow, the Wallabies were left to lament an inaccurate final ten minutes of play which enabled Steyn to slot the eventual match-winning drop goal with under a minute left to play.

Michael Hooper was again among the Wallabies' best, while winger Dane Hayley-Petty threatened with the ball in the best outing of his young Test career. Melbourne Rebels speedster Sefanaia Naivalu became the 900th player to represent Australia in Test Rugby when he came on as a replacement during a frantic final ten minutes.

The defeat saw the Wallabies drop to third in The Rugby Championship standings, with one remaining clash against Argentina at Twickenham Stadium in London next Saturday (Sundaymorning AEDST).

How it happened:
5 mins: Morne Steyn drop goal, AUS 0-3 RSA
8 mins: Bernard Foley pen, AUS 3-3 RSA
14 mins: Scott Sio try, Bernard Foley con AUS 10-3 RSA
26 mins: Morne Steyn pen, AUS 10-6 RSA
35 mins: Morne Steyn pen, AUS 10-9 RSA
40 mins: Morne Steyn pen, AUS 10-12 RSA
HALF TIME
76 mins: Morne Steyn pen, AUS 10-15 RSA
80 mins Morne Steyn drop goal, AUS 10-18 RSA
FULL TIME
 
South Africa 18 (Morne Steyn 4 pens, 2 dg) defeated Australia 10 (Scott Sio try; Bernard Foley con; pen)

 
 
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QANTAS WALLABIES TEAM NAMED TO FACE SOUTH AFRICA

QANTAS WALLABIES TEAM NAMED TO FACE SOUTH AFRICA

30/09/2016, International, Rugby, Castrol Edge Rugby Championship, Article # 19583943
 

QANTAS WALLABIES TEAM NAMED TO FACE SOUTH AFRICA

WALLABIES MEDIA UNIT

SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

Qantas Wallabies team to play South Africa in The Rugby Championship at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria at 5:00pm local time

1. Scott Sio (22 Tests)

2. Stephen Moore (c) (109 Tests)

3. Sekope Kepu (70 Tests)

4. Rob Simmons (64 Tests)

5. Adam Coleman (4 Tests)

6. Dean Mumm (50 Tests)

7. Michael Hooper (58 Tests)

8. Sean McMahon (11 Tests)

9. Will Genia (70 Tests)

10. Quade Cooper (61 Tests)

11. Reece Hodge (3 Tests)

12. Bernard Foley (34 Tests)

13. Samu Kerevi (5 Tests)

14. Dane Haylett-Petty (7 Tests)

15. Israel Folau (45 Tests)

Reserves (one to be omitted)

James Hanson (10 Tests)

James Slipper (81 Tests)

Tom Robertson (1 Test)

Kane Douglas (25 Tests)

Scott Fardy (35 Tests)

Lopeti Timani (1 Test)

Nick Phipps (45 Tests)

Tevita Kuridrani (38 Tests)

Sefa Naivalu*

*denotes uncapped player

McMahon and Hanson step in to fill the void

Qantas Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made just one change to his starting side for The Rugby Championship Test against South Africa at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sundaymorning (1.00am AEST kick-off).

Melbourne Rebels backrower Sean McMahon will step in at number eight with David Pocock ruled out with a hand injury.

McMahon hasn't started in the Gold jersey since the Wallabies went down to England at Sydney's Allianz Stadium in the third Test of the June series.

The 22-year old is the sole change to the starting 15 with Cheika naming an extended bench that will be confirmed after Friday's Captain's Run in Johannesburg.

Fellow Rebel James Hanson will get the chance to add to his 10 Tests after being named amongst the reserves.

The hooker's last Test was over a year ago against the United States of America but gets an opportunity in the absence of Tatafu Polota-Nau.

A Test debut beckons for Rebels winger Sefa Naivalu against the Springboks, capping a rapid rise for the 24-year old, who was playing club Rugby in Victoria just two years ago.

It's a return for Kane Douglas and Scott Fardy who have also been named on the bench, with Cheika yet to decide the final make-up.

The Test between the Qantas Wallabies and Argentina will be screened LIVE in High Definition and ad-break free on FOX SPORTS 502 from 12.25am AEST and LIVE on Ten from 12.50am AEST for QLD, NSW and ACT viewers (on ONE in other Australian States and Territories). Fans can also LIVE stream the match on Foxtel GO (for Foxtel subscribers) and on TenPlay.
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All Blacks team named for Buenos Aires Test against Argentina

All Blacks team named for Buenos Aires Test against Argentina

30/09/2016, International, Rugby, Castrol Edge Rugby Championship, Article # 19583792
New Zealand Rugby Media Release
29 September 2016
  All Blacks Media Advisory  
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    All Blacks team named for Buenos Aires Test against Argentina    
     
   


The All Blacks team to play Argentina in the Investec Rugby Championship Test at Estadio Jose Amalfitani in Buenos Aires on Saturday 1 October has been named.

The matchday 23 is (with Test caps in brackets.  New caps in bold):

1. Joe Moody (17)
2. Dane Coles (43)
3. Owen Franks (84)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (9)
5. Brodie Retallick (54)
6. Liam Squire (3)
7. Ardie Savea (6)
8. Kieran Read - capt (91)
9.  TJ Perenara (23)
10. Beauden Barrett (43)
11. Julian Savea (47)
12. Ryan Crotty (21)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (3)
14. Israel Dagg (55)
15. Ben Smith (55)

16. Codie Taylor (8)
17. Wyatt Crockett (52)
18. Ofa Tu'ungafasi (1)
19. Samuel Whitelock (79)
20. Elliot Dixon (1)
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (21)
22. Lima Sopoaga (3) 
23. Damian McKenzie


The Test team features several changes to the 23 which played South Africa in Christchurch earlier this month.

In the forwards, loose forward Liam Squire will make his first Test start in his fourth Test, at blindside flanker, replacing the injured Jerome Kaino.  In other forward changes, lock Patrick Tuipulotu will start alongside Brodie Retallick, with Sam Whitelock moving to the bench; Ofa Tu'ungafasi comes onto the bench as replacement prop for Charlie Faumuina; while Elliot Dixon comes into the 23 as loose forward cover.

In the backs, TJ Perenara will start at halfback, with Tawera Kerr-Barlow coming onto the bench, while Anton Lienert-Brownwill start at centre in his fourth Test, replacing Malaki Fekitoa.  Damian McKenzie has been picked in a matchday 23 for the first time and will become All Black number 1154 when he makes his expected Test debut from the bench.

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: "When it came to selecting this side, our key focus was to select a team that would maintain a high standard of performance and also allow us to grow our player depth and experience in the Test arena.  We also took into consideration the fact that we have seven Tests under our belts this year and more Tests and a lot of international travel to come. The expectation is that this side will build on the performances we've produced so far this year and play a game we can all be proud of.

"Having said that, this weekend presents a massive challenge for us. Argentina are a very good team and we have a huge amount of respect for them.  They put us under real pressure at times during the Test in Hamilton and we've worked really hard this week to prepare for what we expect to be coming this weekend.

"Argentina are playing in front of their passionate home crowd and will feed off that passion.  They'll bring their trademark physicality as well as their flair, and ability to offload, to the contest.  We'll have to start well to take the crowd out of the game.  To do that we'll need to bring intensity, purpose and accuracy to all aspects of our game."

All Blacks v Argentina - key facts

* The All Blacks have played Argentina 23 times, with 22 wins to the All Blacks and one draw.  The All Blacks won the home Investec Rugby Championship Test match 57-22 in Hamilton earlier this month.
* If Sam Whitelock comes off the bench as expected, he will play his 80th Test and become the most capped All Blacks lock in history, overtaking Ian Jones. Meanwhile, Owen Franks will play his 85th Test, while All Blacks captain Kieran Read will play his 92nd Test, becoming the eighth-equal most capped All Black of all time.
* The All Blacks last weekend equalled their own record of scoring 24 tries in an Investec Rugby Championship season.
* Julian Savea has scored nine tries against Argentina and currently holds the joint record (with former Wallaby David Campese).
* On the subject of tries, Ben Smith's try against South Africa was the 1900th scored by the All Blacks in Test matches.  That's an average of 3.5 tries per Test throughout the team's history.

The Investec Rugby Championship - All Blacks Tests

1. Australia 8 All Blacks 42, Saturday 20 August, ANZ Stadium, SYDNEY
2. All Blacks 29 Australia 9, Saturday 27 August, Westpac Stadium, WELLINGTON
3. All Blacks 57 Argentina 22. Sat 10 September, FMG Stadium Waikato, HAMILTON
4. All Blacks 41 South Africa 13. Sat 17 September, AMI Stadium, CHRISTCHURCH
5. vs. ARGENTINA. Sat 1 October, 7.10PM, Estadio Jose Amalfitani, BUENOS AIRES
6. vs. SOUTH AFRICA. Sat 8 October, 5.05PM, Growthpoint Kings Park, DURBAN
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Rebels' Sefa Naivalu named in Wallabies squad

Rebels' Sefa Naivalu named in Wallabies squad

22/09/2016, International, Rugby, Castrol Edge Rugby Championship, Article # 19485397
 

VIDEO NEWS RELEASE

Thursday 22 September 2016
 

Rebels' Sefa Naivalu named in Wallabies squad


Please find a link below to download an interview with Melbourne Rebels winger Sefa Naivalu after he was named this afternoon in the Wallabies 30-player squad for the tour to South Africa and London.

The uncapped winger, who moved from Fiji in 2013, is set to make his Wallabies debut following an extraordinary rise from Melbourne’s Dewar Shield Club Rugby competition with Box Hill to the Melbourne Rebels. read more

For the interview (broadcast - 720p H.264), click here

For the interview (audio - .mp3), click here

Please note: Melbourne Rebels Rugby Union (MRRU) provide the video news release free of charge for editorial use only by Radio, TV, Print and online outlets. The supplied editorial content cannot be passed onto third parties without the prior consent of MRRU.


 
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