Video: Brumbies rout insipid Force

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Speight of tries ... Brumbies winger Henry Speight was in fine form against Western Force. Source: Lukas Coch / AAP

A Henry Speight double and a Matt Toomua masterclass sparked the Brumbies to a 41-7 bonus-point win over the Western Force on Saturday at Canberra Stadium to reclaim the Super Rugby competition lead.

6 Tries 1
Jesse Mogg 4'	Matthew Hodgson 74'
Henry Speight 17'
Tevita Kuridrani 25'
Henry Speight 39'
Joseph Tomane 51'
Siliva Siliva 69'
4 Conversions 1
Christian Lealiifano 18'	Jayden Hayward 75'
Christian Lealiifano 26'
Christian Lealiifano 40'
Christian Lealiifano 52'
1 Penalties 0
Christian Lealiifano 21'

The Force were unable to replicate the giant slaying feats they mustered up against the Crusaders and Reds in weeks past, with the Brumbies asserting dominance from the get go in front of 12,517 spectators.

Brumbies flyhalf and man-of-the-match Toomua will have made Robbie Deans reconsider his exclusion from the 30-man Wallabies squad, playing a part in most of his side's tries and making several bone-rattling hits, including a thumper on Sam Norton-Knight that left him gasping for air.

His partner in crime Christian Lealiifano was equally impressive, also setting up several tries and nailing conversions from both sidelines to finish the night with five from seven shots at goal.

Australia Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Brumbies	7	1	2	118	4	40
2	Reds	7	2	1	14	3	37
3	Waratahs	4	4	0	-33	1	25
4	Melbourne Rebels	2	6	0	-96	3	19
5	Western Force	2	8	0	-80	4	16
New Zealand Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Chiefs	6	3	0	79	7	35
2	Blues	4	4	0	48	8	32
3	Hurricanes	5	4	0	-5	4	28
4	Crusaders	4	4	0	52	6	26
5	Highlanders	0	8	0	-86	2	10
South Africa Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Sharks	5	4	0	43	4	28
2	Bulls	5	3	0	35	4	28
3	Stormers	4	4	0	3	4	28
4	Cheetahs	6	3	0	-2	3	27
5	Southern Kings	2	5	1	-90	1	15

George Smith was instrumental yet again, forcing several turnovers at the breakdown to put an exclamation mark on a game in which he equalled George Gregan's record of 136 Super Rugby caps for the Brumbies.

The Force were starved of possession by the home side, making matters only worse by constantly failing to win the ball at their own lineout.

The visitors were given a chance to get back into the game when Brumbies hooker Stephen Moore was sent off with a yellow card for cynical play in the 46th minute but, instead, the Brumbies put on another seven points courtesy of an offload by Toomua to a flying Joe Tomane down the wing.

---

Re-live all the action from the Brumbies' big win over the Force at our Super Rugby Match Centre, with video highlights.

---

After Jesse Mogg opened the scoring in just the fourth minute, the red-hot Speight touched down for his first try 14 minutes later when he ran a sharp line to receive a short ball from halfback Nic White.

Outside centre Tevita Kuridrani then scored his first Super Rugby try seven minutes later when he barged over three Force players.

Speight bagged his second try of the night to bring up the four-try bonus point two minutes before halftime as the Brumbies took a 29-0 lead to the sheds.

Brumbies coach Jake White rung the changes midway through the second half, the home side scoring two tries to one to complete the rout.

Brumbies coach White said his side had been trying to play an expansive style for some time, but were unable to do so against the Reds last week when they were pinned down near their own tryline for most of the second half.

"A couple of times (tonight), we took it to the line and got some great offloads going," White said.

He applauded the efforts of five-eighth Toomua.

"That's one of Matty Toomua's strengths, he's probably the best defensive flyhalf in the competition and he leads up in defence," White said.

Force coach Michael Foley said his side made too many unforced errors, several of which were created by the Brumbies' line speed in defence.

"Very disappointing - I think when you're playing one of the top sides, you know you have to execute early and we didn't do that," Foley said.

"They created good pressure, but I think there were four crooked (lineout) throws so that gave them a lot of impetus."

23.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

Broncos bust injury-ravaged Tigers

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Sam Thaiday ... in action during Wests Tigers v Brisbane Broncos. Source: ROBB COX / AAP

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

A disappointing night on the scoreboard was compounded by a night of carnage in the casualty ward for Wests Tigers with new halfback Tim Moltzen suffering a season-ending knee injury in a 20-10 loss to Brisbane at Campbelltown.

2 Tries 4
Matthew Utai 39'	Corey Norman 6'
Shaun Spence 63'	Matt Gillett 11'
	Matt Gillett 26'
	Justin Hodges 75'
1 Conversions 2
Curtis Sironen 64'	Corey Parker 28'
	Scott Prince 77'

Already without a host of players including star playmaker Benji Marshall due to injury, the Tigers lost Chris Lawrence to a hamstring strain in the first half before Moltzen ruptured his ACL an hour into the contest.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Completing the horror run, centre Blake Ayshford was taken from the field with a suspected broken leg with six minutes to go, the Tigers forced to play out the game with just 12 players having already used all their interchanges.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The biggest loss though is Moltzen, the new No.7 who was writhing in pain as Broncos centre Justin Hodges did his best to comfort the 24-year-old and draw the attention of Tigers medical officials.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Moltzen cut a shattered figure as he made his way off the ground having undergone a reconstruction on the same knee three years ago.

Moltzen was the third man to wear the No.7 jumper for the Tigers in just seven games this season, coach Michael Potter fast running out of options after dumping youngster Jacob Miller.

Asked about his options at halfback, Tigers coach Mick Potter said: "I'll scratch around on Monday.

"Robbie (Farah) can play seven as well as nine."

Of 18-year-old halfback sensation Luke Brooks, who has played just six games in the under 20s as well an appearance for the NSW under 20s side that beat Queensland last weekend, Potter seemed hesitant to promote him to the top grade.

"I'd have to talk to Todd (Tigers NYC coach Todd Payten) a bit more," Potter said.

"I'm not sure if he's ready for that jump yet but he'd probably grab it with open arms and do his best and probably do an okay job.

"I want to get him physically ready, otherwise he's going to be a real target just with that step up."

Despite the injury woes and a dismal first-half display, the Tigers somehow found themselves in the contest until the 75th minute when Hodges dived over from dummy half to end the home side's resistance.

It was a seemingly inconceivable prospect after the opening half-hour when the Broncos looked in cruise control in running up a 14-0 lead.

The Tigers' new-look right-edge defence of Moltzen and Lawrence was being badly exposed as first Corey Norman and then Matt Gillett twice scythed through to score, Parker taking over goal-kicking duties after Scott Prince missed his first two attempts.

A try on the stroke of halftime put the Tigers back into the game when Robbie Farah worked a clever run-around to send Matt Utai over, and they were almost within touching distance only for Sauaso Sue to be denied for a double movement.

The Tigers did get to within four points when Shaun Spence touched down after Norman allowed a Farah kick to bounce in his own in-goal, the ball bouncing off the cross-bar and being fumbled by Norman for the Tigers to get back into the contest.

23.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cats defeat brave Bulldogs

Pace ... Steven Motlop gets away from Adam Cooney at Etihad Stadium. Source: DAVID CROSLING / AAP

Geelong survived a late challenge from the Western Bulldogs on Saturday to win their AFL match by 21 points at Etihad Stadium.

The undermanned Bulldogs kicked the only three goals of the last term, but the Cats remain unbeaten this season with the 15.17 (107) to 13.8 (86) win.peCats key defender Harry Taylor was best afield, kicking five goals before going back for the last term.

3.1 (19)	Q1	5.5 (35)
6.3 (39)	Q2	10.9 (69)
10.6 (66)	Q3	15.12 (102)
13.8 (86)	Q4	15.17 (107)

Liam Jones 4	Harry Taylor 5
Jake Stringer 3	Steven Motlop 3
Adam Cooney 2	Joel Selwood 2
Clay Smith 2	Allen Christensen 1
Luke Dahlhaus 1	Steve Johnson 1
Jordan Roughead 1	James Kelly 1
	James Podsiadly 1
	Billie Smedts 1

Taylor was Geelong's main target in attack because star forward Tom Hawkins was a late withdrawal with a back injury.

Leading by 36 points at three-quarter time, Geelong scored five behinds for the last term.

Geelong were down one player on the interchange bench for the second half and tired noticeably during the final quarter.

They lost defender Jared Rivers with a knee injury in the first term and then midfielder Josh Caddy suffered a knock to the head in the second quarter.

Caddy was also restricted to the bench for the rest of the game.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Bulldogs defender Brett Goodes is likely to come under video review for the incident in which Caddy was hurt.

Scott said having one man down on the bench was not the only factor behind their inability to close out the game well.

"There were a few other things that we need to work on.

"But to hang on and win the game is a positive - we did what we needed to do.''

He said Geelong's disposal and some defensive decisions were not up to scratch at times.

"It (Geelong's overall performance) was poor - I hope that doesn't sound disrespectful to the opposition, because I don't think at all,'' he said.

"They made us play poorly at times, but there are other parts of our game that we didn't implement all that well.

Scott added the Cats had not done enough to stop the Bulldogs gaining possession.

"When they get it, they just want to play keepings-off, which makes for a pretty boring game if you let them do that,'' he said.

"Unfortunately, for too big a part of the game, we allowed them to do that.''

The Cats coach said the medical staff were not too worried about Rivers' knee injury.

They initially thought Caddy's head injury was minor, but it became bad enough to keep him off the field.

Hawkins is expected to return next weekend.

The performance was a step forward for the young Bulldogs team and coach Brendan McCartney praised their effort.

"I'm really pleased with our endeavour, pleased that they showed a better ability to just play the game minute-by-minute,'' he said.

"Late, when the door was still ajar, we needed to work a bit harder to get the ball back.''

While the Cats were superb with their transition play, the 'Dogs were never overawed by their much better-credentialled opposition.

Cats star Steve Johnson was high among their best players, although the midfielder also made some glaring errors with his often-freakish play.

Jimmy Bartel was outstanding across half-back and Steven Motlop kicked four goals.

Bulldogs captain Matthew Boyd impressed with 29 disposals and Liam Jones kicked four goals.

The Cats led by 40 points during the third term and were on the verge of breaking the game apart.

But the Bulldogs kicked two of the last three goals in the quarter to keep the margin manageable. 

Click here to see all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

23.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

Video: Driver kicks rival in groin

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Friday's ... ToyotaCare 250 Nationwide Series race ended in a bizarre fight between drivers where one was kicked below the belt. Source:AAP

Friday night's ToyotaCare 250 Nationwide Series race ended in a bizarre fight between Nelson Piquet Jr. and Brian Scott with Scott accusing Piquet of kicking him "below the belt."

Late-race contact between Piquet and Scott resulted in a shoving match on pit road after the race as the drivers confronted each other. 

Each blamed the other for a crash on the last lap, and both indicated problems between them are not over. 

Scott said Piquet kicked him "below the belt."

Brad Keselowski pulled away from challengers Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch in the closing laps to win the race at Richmond International Raceway.

Keselowski, winning in the series for the first time this year, took the lead from Busch with 10 laps to go after a restart and held it the rest of the way.

Busch had the lead at the final restart with 12 to go but couldn't hold the track's low line.

"I got a small opportunity when Kyle bobbled in three and four, and I used it to get a run to take the lead going into turn one, and that was all she wrote," Keselowski said.

"It's very gratifying. We've had a lot of seconds this year but hadn't been able to get that win. We've struggled here at Richmond in both (Nationwide and Sprint Cup) cars. It's great to get that turned around."

Harvick was second, Busch third, Brian Vickers fourth and Regan Smith fifth.

Sam Hornish Jr. finished seventh and kept the series point lead. Travis Pastrana took ninth, the best finish of his career.

Keselowski's win ended a three-race winning streak by Busch, who had a strong car late in the race but lost the handle in the final miles.

The final portion of the race featured some great competition between Keselowski, Busch and Harvick as they wrestled for the front.

"I thought it was pretty darn good," Keselowski said. "I was grinning the whole time. Kyle and Kevin raced me really well. There were little touches but not big ones.

"You know you're racing the best and that if you make a mistake they're going to beat you. And they both almost did. You try to run a mistake-free race and look for opportunity. When it comes, you've got to strike."

The race went under caution for the sixth time on lap 212 as Austin Dillon and Justin Allgaier tangled in turn three, collecting Scott in the mess. They were racing for position in the top 10. They entered the race third (Dillon), fourth (Allgaier) and fifth (Scott) in points.

Hornish led 83 laps in the first half of the race. Harvick and Elliott Sadler were the only other strong frontrunners in that portion of the race.

Busch won four of the season's first six races, but he led only two of the first 125 laps Friday night before rallying to challenge for the win late.

The race had an unusual start as Dexter Stacey's car soaked the track with fluids on lap 25, causing a long cleanup and a 5:14 red flag.

The second caution appeared on lap 102 because of rookie Alex Bowman's accident in the second turn.

23.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

Power surge to comeback win

Stalwart ... 250-game hero Kane Cornes is chaired off by his victorious teammates. Source: REGI VARGHESE / AAP

Port Adelaide unleashed a stunning late charge to overwhelm West Coast by five points on Saturday night to remain unbeaten in the AFL.

The Power were 41 points down midway through the third quarter but won 12.12 (84) to 10.19 (79) at AAMI Stadium.

1.0 (6)	Q1	4.4 (28)
2.5 (17)	Q2	7.13 (55)
7.7 (49)	Q3	9.16 (70)
12.12 (84)	Q4	10.19 (79)

Travis Boak 2	Josh J. Kennedy 4
Hamish Hartlett 2	Jamie Cripps 1
Angus Monfries 2	Bradd Dalziell 1
Chad Wingard 2	Jack Darling 1
Matthew Broadbent 1	Ashton Hams 1
Kane Cornes 1	Josh Hill 1
Jake Neade 1	Chris Masten 1
Paul Stewart 1

West Coast's prime mover Matt Priddis was knocked out in the fourth minute and didn't return, and their skipper Darren Glass was reported.

But the Eagles, with Josh Kennedy booting four goals, were cruising when almost seven goals ahead some 13 minutes into the third term.

Port's emerging star Chad Wingard then sparked a comeback as the Power kicked eight of the last nine goals of the game for a fifth consecutive win.

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley said the comeback win was proof of the never-say-die spirit of his players.

"They won't give up, that is what I have learnt, and that is what I am most proud of,'' he said.

West Coast coach John Worsfold lamented his side's poor goal kicking, a week after they scored 7.23 in a loss to Carlton.

"We played some really good footy for a half and then played poorly after that,'' he said.

Power defender Jackson Trengove is in doubt for next Saturday's away match against North Melbourne, while the severity of the concussion of the Eagles' Priddis will be known in coming days.

Wingard, Angus Monfries, captain Travis Boak and Hamish Hartlett each kicked two goals.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Boak's brace came within 90 seconds and gave Port the lead - for the first time in the game - 11 minutes into the last term.

Eagle Brad Dalziell replied to restore a two-point break for the visitors.

But Port recruit Monfries capped a spirited comeback, running into an open goal in the 19th minute and his side held on until the siren.

West Coast lost Priddis in the fourth minute, the key on-baller having his arms pinned in a Monfries tackle and crashing, face first, into the turf.

He didn't return, and skipper Glass was booked in the second term for a late shirtfront which stunned Port's Paul Stewart.

Stewart disposed of the ball and was struck by a late front-on hit from Glass, though the Power player wasn't forced from the field.

The incidents came as the Eagles streeted to a 38-point halftime lead on Kennedy's back.

The elusive forward threaded four set shots, though teammates missed others as only inaccurate goal shooting - 7.13 - kept Port in it.

The Power mustered only 2.5 in their dismal opening half, despite Kane Cornes gathering 15 touches to halftime in his 250th game.

Port's losing fate appeared sealed when Chris Masten goalled in the third to give West Coast a 41-point advantage.

But Power livewire Wingard sparked the tremendous comeback as the Eagles slumped to their fourth loss in five starts this season.

Click here to view all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

23.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

Terry wants England return: reports

Return ... former skipper John Terry is eyeing a return to the English national team. Source: Matt Dunham / AFP

John Terry hopes Chelsea will offer him a contract extension but has vowed never to play for another English club, while he is reportedly considering a return to the national team.

Terry has just a year remaining on his current deal and his future is looking increasingly uncertain after a season when he has had to accept being part of Rafa Benitez's squad rotation.

He recognises he is not in the strongest position to go in search of a new contract and that, like Frank Lampard, who could leave this summer, time is catching up with him.

But whatever the future holds, Terry cannot envisage himself playing against Chelsea.

He said: "I'd love to stay at Chelsea. If that's not the case, I have got another year left which I will honour and respect, regardless if it's a yes or a no.

"Naturally it would be disappointing (to leave), but at the same time you understand that you can't be around forever.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Man United	34	27	3	4	43	84
2	Man City	34	21	8	5	30	71
3	Arsenal	34	18	9	7	30	63
4	Chelsea	33	18	8	7	31	62
5	Tottenham	34	18	8	8	17	62
6	Everton	35	15	14	6	14	59
7	Liverpool	34	13	12	9	19	51
8	West Brom	34	14	6	14	2	48
9	Swansea	33	10	12	11	1	42
10	West Ham	35	11	9	15	-8	42
11	Fulham	35	10	10	15	-9	40
12	Stoke	35	9	13	13	-10	40
13	Southampton	35	9	12	14	-10	39
14	Norwich	35	8	14	13	-21	38
15	Sunderland	34	9	10	15	-7	37
16	Newcastle	34	10	7	17	-17	37
17	Aston Villa	34	8	10	16	-27	34
18	Wigan	34	8	8	18	-23	32
19	QPR	34	4	12	18	-27	24
20	Reading	34	5	9	20	-28	24

"Where I would go after that it certainly wouldn't be in England. I couldn't do that to Chelsea or the fans. That's just not me."

"I'll wait for the club. I'm happy to leave things until they come to me. We've always had that mutual respect between ourselves."

While Terry waits to discover what his future holds at club level, reports on Saturday suggest he could still return to the England fold despite his acrimonious departure from international football.

According to widespread reports, Terry is prepared to make himself available to Roy Hodgson despite having stepped down from the team in the wake of being stripped of the captaincy.

The 32-year-old had the armband taken away from him when he was charged with racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand, and he announced his retirement from international football on the eve of the FA hearing into that case.

Terry had already been cleared by Westminster Magistrates' Court, but an independent FA commission found him guilty, handing him a four-match ban and fining him £220,000.

His last game for England, cap No 78, was as a substitute in the 5-0 victory over Moldova in a World Cup qualifier in September.

Terry's relationship with Football Association chairman David Bernstein was brought back into the public eye last week when he refused to shake his hand at the Champions League trophy handover.

But Bernstein is due to step down from his role in July and that could be a contributory factor in Terry's apparent U-turn, which could even see him involved in the squad to take on the Republic of Ireland and Brazil in friendlies at the end of May and early in June respectively.

Terry will have to convince Hodgson that his club form is good enough for a return to the international fold and although he maintains he is playing as well as ever, he has been in and out of the Chelsea team this season.

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12016/8674758/John-Terry-waiting-on-Chelsea-future-as-reports-hint-at-England-return

23.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

City cruise home against Hammers

Argentine attack ... Sergio Aguero prods City into the lead against West Ham United. Source: Mike Egerton / AFP

Manchester City have responded to losing their Barclays Premier League title with a 2-1 victory over West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium.

Sergio Aguero broke the deadlock for City in the first half after some great build-up play, but the Hammers battled hard to stay in the game and had their chances to equalise.

However, Yaya Toure's tremendous strike seven minutes from time put the result beyond doubt and cemented City's standing in second place, with Joe Hart's fumble from Andy Carroll coming too late to give West Ham a chance.

Having seen Manchester United clinch the title with a win over Aston Villa on Monday, Roberto Mancini's men were determined to respond in style and welcomed David Silva back from injury after he missed the 3-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.

Silva fired a shot narrowly wide in the early stages as City immediately settled into a fluent rhythm, while Aguero scuffed an effort against the post after the ball had deflected fortunately into his path.

As supporters of both clubs applauded after 23 minutes for Mark-Vivien Foe, who died ten years ago, City goalkeeper Hart was tested for the first time by a powerful Mohamed Diame volley through a crowded penalty area.

But it was City who opened the scoring on 28 minutes following a sumptuous passing move, with Samir Nasri playing an intricate one-two with David Silva before cutting the ball back for Aguero to sweep in a finish from close range.

It was nearly 2-0 moments later as Jussi Jaaskelainen pulled off a superb double save, first parrying a long-range Nasri drive and then getting up quickly to deny Pablo Zabaleta on the rebound.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Man United	34	27	3	4	43	84
2	Man City	34	21	8	5	30	71
3	Arsenal	34	18	9	7	30	63
4	Chelsea	33	18	8	7	31	62
5	Tottenham	34	18	8	8	17	62
6	Everton	35	15	14	6	14	59
7	Liverpool	34	13	12	9	19	51
8	West Brom	34	14	6	14	2	48
9	Swansea	33	10	12	11	1	42
10	West Ham	35	11	9	15	-8	42
11	Fulham	35	10	10	15	-9	40
12	Stoke	35	9	13	13	-10	40
13	Southampton	35	9	12	14	-10	39
14	Norwich	35	8	14	13	-21	38
15	Sunderland	34	9	10	15	-7	37
16	Newcastle	34	10	7	17	-17	37
17	Aston Villa	34	8	10	16	-27	34
18	Wigan	34	8	8	18	-23	32
19	QPR	34	4	12	18	-27	24
20	Reading	34	5	9	20	-28	24

City stayed in control for the remainder of the first half but West Ham came out strongly after the interval and Zabaleta did well to clear a threatening cross from Matt Jarvis towards the back post.

The Hammers also had appeals for a penalty waved away by referee Howard Webb as a Jarvis cross struck Zabaleta on the arm, before City regained the initiative.

Tevez had an effort brilliantly blocked by Joey O'Brien before Nasri squandered a glorious opportunity to double City's lead when he failed to get a proper connection on his shot from close range at the back post.

Nerves started to creep in at the back for City as the clock ticked down and James Collins fired narrowly wide, before the tension was released by a ferocious strike by Toure from the edge of the area on the 83rd minute that flew into the top corner.

City had chances to further extend their advantage and Hart also had to make a save from Carroll's header in a frantic finale, before the England goalkeeper embarrassingly failed to keep out a strike from the same player and allowed the ball to squirm through his legs just before the final whistle.

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/261905

23.51 | 0 komentar | Read More