New Zealand rugby team has been named to play Australia – Kick off 4am Sunday

The New Zealand rugby team has been named to play Australia in the opening Bledisloe Cup at Sky Stadium Kick off 4am Sunday.

The matchday 23 is an exciting blend of experience and rising, young talent, with the selection of three new All Blacks on the bench: lock Tupou Vaa’i, loose forward Hoskins Sotutu and winger Caleb Clarke.

The All Blacks starting pack features the experienced front row of Joe Moody at loosehead prop, Ofa Tuungafasi in the number three jersey, and 50-Test hooker Codie Taylor in the number two jersey. Props Nepo Laulala and Karl Tu’inukuafe and hooker Dane Coles, playing in his 70th Test, will provide front row impact off the bench. Samuel Whitelock will play his 118th Test at lock (becoming the fourth equal most capped All Black of all time, alongside Tony Woodcock) alongside Patrick Tuipulotu, while in the loose forwards, All Blacks Captain Sam Cane is at seven, Shannon Frizell gets the nod at blindside flanker, while Ardie Savea starts at number eight.

In the backs, Aaron Smith will play his 93rd Test at halfback, with TJ Perenara providing cover off the bench in his 65th Test. Richie Mo’unga starts at ten while Jack Goodhue at 12 and Rieko Ioane in his first Test start at centre make up the midfield. Anton Lienert-Brown is midfield cover from the bench. The starting back three is Jordie Barrett on the right wing, George Bridge on the left, with Beauden Barrett at fullback

All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster said he and fellow selectors John Plumtree and Grant Fox had kept an open mind about selections.

“We really wanted to see how players adapted and fitted in and how comfortable they were coming back into the environment and so there were a number of positions that we wanted to keep an open mind about,” he said.

“We’re excited by the group. There’s a lot of talent in there and we’ve got players jumping out of their skin and wanting an opportunity. It’s been fantastic to come together and know at the end of the week there’s a Test match. There’s been a lot of hard work, but the tightness of the group and the desire and the excitement about playing an international game is right up there.”

Foster is anticipating a fast, hectic, high-intensity contest from both teams.

“It’s a Bledisloe series and both teams will be determined to put a marker down. For us, it’s about getting our basics right and focussing on our set piece and momentum, and then letting the guys use their skillsets around the structure.”

Meanwhile, Foster has a message for All Blacks fans who have waited a long time for the return of Test rugby, especially those in attendance at Sky Stadium on Sunday.

“Just be loud and enjoy it. Whilst this is a massive game for us and the Bledisloe means everything, it’s also, in some way, a bit of a celebration after everything we’ve been through. For those that love the game, we just have to enjoy it and hopefully, together with the Wallabies, we can put on an occasion that befits that.”

The All Blacks and Australia will be playing their 167th Test against each other. New Zealand has won 115 of those matches, Australia 44 with seven draws. The All Blacks and Wallabies last played each other in Perth and Auckland during last year’s Investec Rugby Championship with Australia winning 47-26 in Perth and the All Blacks 36-0 in Auckland. The All Blacks have held The Bledisloe Cup (played between New Zealand and Australia) since 2003.

Mini bios – Caleb Clarke, Hoskins Sotutu and Tupou Vaa’i

21-year-old Caleb Clarke was in scintillating form during Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa and was one of the best performers for the Blues in his six appearances in 2020. The son of 1992-1998 All Black Eroni, Clarke is an explosive winger who has a knack of claiming silverware, leading Mt Albert Grammar to the National 1st XV title in 2016 and as a member of the New Zealand Under 20 team that claimed the World Championship in 2017, the Auckland Mitre 10 Cup-winning side in 2018 and this year’s World Series winning All Blacks Sevens team.

22-year-old loose forward Hoskins Sotutu spent most of his rugby growing up playing in the backline, emulating his father Waisake who also played for Auckland and the Blues. It was only in the later stages of his schooling that Sotutu moved to the forward pack and he has since gone on to play for the New Zealand Under 20s, Auckland in the Mitre 10 Cup and made his Super Rugby debut off the bench in 2019. This season Sotutu turned heads as a powerful ball carrier and relentless defender. He was among the competition’s best with more than 100 carries and 80 tackles.

A former Wesley College Head Prefect and First XV captain, 20-year-old Tupou Vaa’i is the latest player to etch their mark in the school’s proud history of producing All Blacks. Vaa’i made his provincial debut for Taranaki as an 18 year old in 2018 and the following year made six appearances for the New Zealand Under 20 side. In 2020 Vaa’i stepped up to Super Rugby, playing all seven matches in Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa and emerging as bright prospect which the Chiefs recognised in extending his contract through to 2023.

The matchday 23 is as follows (Test caps in brackets):

1. Joe Moody (46)
2. Codie Taylor (50)
3. Ofa Tuungafasi (35)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (30)
5. Samuel Whitelock (117)
6. Shannon Frizell (9)
7. Sam Cane (68) – captain
8. Ardie Savea (44)
9. Aaron Smith (92)
10. Richie Mo’unga (17)
11. George Bridge (9)
12. Jack Goodhue (13)
13. Rieko Ioane (29)
14. Jordie Barrett (17)
15. Beauden Barrett (83)
16. Dane Coles (69)
17. Karl Tu’inukuafe (13)
18. Nepo Laulala (26)
19. Tupou Vaa’i – debut
20. Hoskins Sotutu – debut
21. TJ Perenara (64)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (43)
23. Caleb Clarke – debut

Republic of Ireland suffer penalty heartache in Slovakia

The Republic of Ireland’s UEFA EURO 2020 dream is over following a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to Slovakia in the Play-Off Semi-Finals.

Marek Rodák was the hero for the hosts in Bratislava saving from Alan Browne’s spot kick. With Ireland needing to score to make it 4-3 in the shootout Matt Doherty saw his penalty strike the crossbar to send Slovakia through.

It was a cruel result for Stephen Kenny’s side who were full of attacking enterprise and high tempo but were unable to get the goal their display deserved.

With so much riding on the game, the opening 20 minutes was as an edgy affair. Ireland’s patient play kept the hosts penned in their own half for a sustained period but found they found it tough to breakdown the Slovakian defensive line.

The first real clear-cut chance came in the 36th minute. A cross field ball from Doherty fell to Conor Hourihane in the area. The Aston Villa man played it to James McClean to fire towards goal and as it looked to be heading towards Callum Robinson for a tap-in, Martin Valjent got it clear to keep Ireland at bay.

Slovakia had a great chance to take the lead on the stroke of half-time. The hosts counter-attacked from an Ireland corner and while the Irish defence were able to slow the breakaway for a moment, Ondrej Duda curled an effort to the far corner forcing a fine save from Darren Randolph to tip around the post. From the resulting corner Duda found room for an overhead but it was off-target.

Ireland had a huge chance in the 70th minute. Enda Stevens advanced into space and found Browne in the 18-yard-box, he steadied himself and fired off a shot but Rodák was able to match his effort and palm it away.

Slovakia were still looking dangerous and a few minutes later Shane Duffy produced a goal-saving clearance to deny them a lead. Substitute Lukáš Haraslín was left in space in the area, he composed himself and while his shot went beyond Randolph the captain was on the line to clear away.

In the 85th minute there was another glorious chance for Ireland. David McGoldrick weaved his way through the Slovakian defence. He laid it off to Robinson who fed it to Browne who quickly shifted it to Hourihane, just yards out from goal, but the midfielder’s attempt was cleared off the line. It would be the final chance of the 90 minutes.

Towards the end of the first half of extra time, Browne was involved again this time hitting the post. Callum O’Dowda found space on the left and turned it to Browne whose flicked effort bounced off the foot of the upright

The second half of extra time was uneventful but for Robbie Brady’s free-kick striking the side netting and it ultimately came down to penalties.

Hourihane and Brady were successful from the spot for Ireland but the crucial moment came when Rodák saved from Browne.

Ján Greguš scored to leave it to Doherty to keep Ireland in the contest but the Tottenham Hotspur defender saw his penalty come off the crossbar and Slovakia were through.

Speaking after the game Ireland manager Stephen Kenny said: “They really showed great qualities as men.

“They showed a tremendous team ethic. As the game progressed I felt we were in ascendancy and looked like we really wanted to win it.

“We had good chances but couldn’t get the goal to win it. The players gave everything of themselves. The determination to try and get to the final was evident. It’s a cruel way to lose on penalty kicks. I can’t ask more of the players.

“This group of players gave everything for their country.”

Slovakia: Rodák (GK); Pekarík, Vavro (Gyömber, 112), Valjent, Mazáň; Kucka (Greguš, 85), Hrošovský, Hamšík (C); Rusnák (Mak, 85) Duda (Boženík, 107), Mihalík (Haraslín, 73).
Unused substitutes: Kuciak (GK), Greif (GK), Boženík, Schranz, Pauschek, Bero, Koscelník.

Republic of Ireland: Randolph; Doherty, Duffy, Egan, Stevens; Hendrick, McCarthy (Browne, 60), Hourihane; Robinson (O’Dowda, 100), McGoldrick (Long, 112), McClean (Brady, 60).
Unused substitutes: Travers (GK), Kelleher (GK), Williams, Christie, Byrne, Molumby.

Referee: Clément Turpin (FRA)

Peter O’Mahony – Free to Play after Red Card

Peter O’Mahony of Munster Rugby is free to play following a judicial review, which dealt with his two Yellow Cards received in the Guinness PRO14 Round 1 fixture against Scarlets.

The Player was shown two separate yellow cards by referee Sam Grove-White (SRU), both under Law 9.11 – Players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others.

The Player was sent off after receiving his second yellow card of the fixture.

The Judicial Officer, Sheriff Kathrine Mackie, Scotland, found after referring to the methodology in the Disciplinary Rules and the application of mitigating and aggravating features, that the sending off was sufficient. The Player is available for selection on Saturday.

IRELAND SQUAD FOR AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS

Back in February, John Cooney was threatening to take the number 9 jersey from Conor Murray. Now, Cooney misses out on the squad altogether for Ireland’s remaining 6 Nations games against Italy and France.

Cooney was Farrell’s go-to man when Murray needed to be pulled or rested earlier this year. However, the long absence of rugby has halted the 30-year-old’s form. Firstly, Joe Schmidt omitted him from the World Cup squad. This seemed to spur on Cooney who raised his game accordingly. Then, Farrell recalled him to the International set-up for the 6 Nations. In fact, Cooney impressed whenever he was called upon. Furthermore, many were hoping he would start alongside Sexton.

However, since Rugby has returned Cooney has not emulated this form. Losses to Connacht and Leinster were confidence drainers. After that, Kiwi Alby Mathewson replaced him for the Pro14 Final against Leinster. In the new season’s opener against Treviso last weekend, Cooney did show flashes of what he can offer. For example, one scintillating grubber kick gave Ulster a five-pointer on their way to a bonus-point win.

But, it seems Farrell had already made his mind up. With a festival of games coming up for Ireland, the Head Coach has chosen to look to the future.

Scrum-Half Contenders

Conor Murray will remain first-choice scrum-half. He is set to return to training with Munster this week after an injury. Now that his nearest contender has been defeated, he has another stint in the jersey ahead of him.

On the other hand, there are a host of scrum-halves ready to take their chance. Luke McGrath has been among the options for Farrell. But, his club partner Jamison Gibson-Park is eligible and in good form. Gibson-Park is currently uncapped but has trained with Farrell’s squad previously. He could be a contender for a debut which could be at McGrath’s expense.

In contrast, many fans will be hoping for a second chance for Connacht’s Kieran Marmion. The 28-year-old missed the cut for the World Cup. As a result, his form dropped and injury held him back. However, he has since been displaying the kind of form that earned him his 27 caps. Now fully fit, the fact that Cooney misses out is Marmion’s chance to prove he was hard done by this time last year.

In addition to this, Munster’s 21-year-old scrum-half Craig Casey has his good displays rewarded with a place in the squad as a ‘development player’.

Other Notables

Elsewhere, Ian Madigan’s return to Irish soil has not yet yielded a return to International action. He misses out on a squad place, as does JJ Hanrahan of Munster.

Instead, Jack Carty returns to International duty. He and Ross Byrne will have the job of competing for Sexton’s jersey. Farrell continues to mould Harry Byrne for the future also.

Marmion, Carty, and Quinn Roux should be joining Aki as Connacht representatives. Moreover, Prop Finlay Bealham joins the camp. He already has international experience and will be an asset to Farrell who has a competitive roster of front rows.

In the backs, Keith Earls’ injury has him sidelined. Hugo Keenan and Shane Daly can come in to offer cover among the back three.

Despite being eligible in November, Farrell has opted against giving a place to Leinster’s James Lowe. But everyone will be shocked if he does not get called in at some stage to what we believe is an eight week isolated squad at Carton House.

In the forwards, Max Deegan may miss out to some surprise. Likewise with Devin Toner. Ryan Baird comes in to join James Ryan.

The fact that John Cooney misses out is no footnote. However, there is plenty to look forward to as Farrell has a golden opportunity to develop the squad he wants for the future.

In an eight-week camp with no relief, the players will have more than enough time to impress their head coach.

Ireland Rugby Squad for Autumn Internationals according to sources.

Hookers: Dave Heffernan, Rob Herring, Ronan Kelleher.

Props: Cian Healy, Jack McGrath, Ed Byrne, Andrew Porter, John Ryan, Finlay Bealham.

Locks: Quinn Roux, Iain Henderson, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Tadhg Beirne.

Backrows: Will Connors, Caelan Doris, Jack O’Donoghue, Peter O’Mahony, CJ Stander, Josh van der Flier.

Scrumhalves: Conor Murray, Kieran Marmion, Jamison Gibson-Park, Craig Casey.

Outhalves: Johnny Sexton, Jack Carty, Ross Byrne, Harry Byrne.

Centres: Bundee Aki, Chris Farrell, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose.

Outside-Backs: Andrew Conway, Shane Daly, Jacob Stockdale, Jordan Larmour, Hugo Keenan.

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John Cooney misses out on Irish Rugby Squad for Autumn 2020 Internationals