Lions Tour LIVE updates: Waratahs go head-to-head with Lions in Sydney
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7.30pm
Kiwis sneak home against France 'B' team
Iain Payten
Interesting result across the ditch, with the All Blacks only just getting home 31-27 against a severely depleted French side.
Controversially, France sent a squad with 17 uncapped players due to the powerful clubs refusing to release a host of stars. Kiwi commentators have been irate, but the France reggies almost pulled off a massive upset in Dunedin.
The game on a knife edge for the last quarter, with New Zealand leading 28-27. But All Blacks star Beauden Barrett slotted a late penalty to seal a too-close-for-comfort victory.
7.30pm
Late change for Lions - Pollock out
By Iain Payten
Here are the teams for the Tahs and Lions.
As you can see, the Lions look exceptionally strong, with a couple of familiar names in the starting team: Mack Hansen, Finlay Bealham and Sione Tuipulotu were all raised in Australia before finding their way to Ireland and Scotland to play Test rugby.
There has been a late change for the Lions: young backrower Henry Pollock has been withdrawn with a tight calf, meaning skipper Tadgh Beirne moves from lock to no.6, and Scott Cummings comes into the second row.
Blair Kinghorn and Hugo Keenan are both playing their first matches on tour, as well, and are both sharp with the ball in hand.
As with other Aussie sides, the Waratahs are down on Wallaby troops but there are a couple of key men in key spots. Taniela Tupou is starting at tighthead and you'd have to think his Test chances ride heavily on a strong showing here.
Andrew Kellaway has also come back from the Wallabies and will be a key man to bring calm and composure. So too will backrower Rob Leota, and new Tahs recruit Matt Philip, who'll bring presence from the bench.
Interestingly, Wallabies squad member Tane Edmed is not starting at no.10, however. Jack Bowen will start and Edmed - who is heading to the Brumbies next year - will come from the pine.
WARATAHS (15-1): Lawson Creighton; Andrew Kellaway, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Darby Lancaster; Jack Bowen, Teddy Wilson; Hugh Sinclair (capt), Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota; Miles Amatosero, Fergus Lee-Warner; Taniela Tupou, Ethan Dobbins, Tom Lambert
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Jack Barrett, Daniel Botha, Matt Philip, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Henry O'Donnell
LIONS (15-1): Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Blair Kinghorn, Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell, Ben Earl, Josh van der Flier, Tadhg Beirne (c), James Ryan, Scott Cummings, Finlay Bealham, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Ellis Genge, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, Duhan van der Merwe, Jac Morgan, Ben White, Marcus Smith
Referee: Paul Williams (NZR)
Assistant Referees: James Doleman (NZR), Angus Mabey (NZR)
TMO: Richard Kelly (NZR)
FPRO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)
7.29pm
Welcome to the jungle
By Iain Payten
Good evening fans and welcome to a massive night of rugby.
The British and Irish Lions tour of Australia has arrived at its third stop - Sydney - and a clash with the Waratahs.
My name is Iain Payten and I will be your blogging buddy, and the expert comments and match report will come from our reverse-Lion - the Herald's own project player from norn Iron, Jonathan Drennan.
This NSW-Lions game has been, historically, very spicy.
Who can forget the infamous 2001 fixture when Duncan McRae was red-carded for punching the tripe out of Lions five-eighth Ronan O'Gara? Yes, we went straight there. O'Gara has kept a low profile on this tour but here's a yarn with him ahead of the 2013 tour.
The 2001 game was a generally ill-tempered affair, and though they ended up losing 41-24, the then-Waratahs captain Phil Waugh proudly mentioned in a post-match function that they'd taken lumps out of the Lions.
Waugh is, of course, now chief executive of Rugby Australia. It's unclear if he put his hand up to play tonight but there's about a 50% chance he did.
NSW have not beaten the Lions since the 12-year cycle began in 1989, but in 20 clashes overall since 1888, NSW have four wins: 1908, 1930, 1950 and 1959.
The Waratahs tonight are not favoured to bring a fifth win. That much is clear from the bookies, who have them at $26.What do we reckon is going to happen? Have your say in the poll.
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Sydney Morning Herald
5 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Fiji to seek answers on bizarre no-try after Wallabies get out of jail in Newcastle
Latest posts Fiji coach Mick Byrne said he would seek clarification with World Rugby about a contentious review that overturned a potential match-winning try against the Wallabies in Newcastle - but was based on an Australian error, and not a Fijian one. The mistake-riddled Wallabies got out of jail with a 21-18 win at McDonald Jones Stadium, courtesy of a 78th-minute try to captain Harry Wilson, which saw the home team snatch victory from the jaws of an embarrassing defeat on the eve of the three-Test Lions series. After trailing the Wallabies 14-0 near halftime, Fiji scored after the halftime siren and then scored twice more in a dominant second-half. The Fijians led by four points with minutes remaining and were on the cusp of their first win in Australia since 1954, and back-to-back wins over the Wallabies for the first time. Wilson's late try saved the Wallabies but it could have been a different story if a Fijian try in the 60th minute was not disallowed. In bizarre scenes, Fiji crossed the line after kicking downfield, pressuring Nick Frost into a turnover and then passing wide for Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula to cross. It could have seen the Fijians climb to an imposing eight-point lead with 20 minutes to play, but the try was overturned after the TMO advised referee to look at a possible foot in touch from Wallabies winger Harry Potter. The Australian had faintly stepped on the line after fielding the Fijian kick and then passing infield to Frost. 'I just need to clarify with World Rugby,' Byrne said. 'The Brumbies got a try taken off them this year and I think they went back 19 phases. I understand that. You can go back as many phases as you can in your possession. 'I didn't know now we can go back to opposition possession as well. Maybe next year when they change it, we might be able to go back 10 minutes and find something. Maybe I'm wrong. I'll just get clarity on it because I thought you could only go back on your possession.' Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere said it was 'frustrating'. 'You work hard and then you see they made a mistake and then you have to come back for their mistake. But they're the boss. They make the call and everybody listens,' Ikanivere said. World Rugby regulations say general play can be reviewed up to two phases before a try (foul play can be longer), meaning the ruling was correct. Fiji were ultimately victims of their own brilliance, having not been tackled after the Frost turnover. If they'd had just one more ruck, the Potter foot in touch would not have been reviewable. Byrne said the defeat was a 'gut punch' and suggested the Fijians had been motivated by public commentary of the Test being a 'warm-up' for the Wallabies ahead of the Lions series. 'The game goes both ways. It's just gutting for the players when they do everything they can and sort of take them out of their hands. But we're not here to focus on that,' Byrne said. 'I just want to congratulate the Wallabies. They hung in there as well. But for our players where we were at half-time and the way the game was, I think we were 35 per cent territory. We scrambled well. We held on to the game. 'We scored that try just before half-time and then got the job done in the second half. I think that's the things we need to focus on of the rugby, the quality of the rugby that was played in the second half. Everyone's talking about the Wallabies' warm-up game, so I hope they feel nice and warmed up. 'I wouldn't be taking too much away from our effort today. I wouldn't be going down the road saying the Wallabies didn't step up. I'd say, 'Get ready for us. We're coming'.' The Wallabies' victory ended their winless run in Newcastle and saved them the sharp embarrassment of a defeat ahead the massive series coming up in two weeks. But it also came at a hefty cost, with No.10 Noah Lolesio taken from the field on a medicab after suffering a nasty concussion. Lolesio had only just returned from a concussion suffered in the Super Rugby semi-finals, and he may be in doubt for the first Test against the Lions on July 19 if his recovery is not straightforward. But the get-out-of-jail won't hide the massive flaws in the Wallabies' game, which were many. The Wallabies had three tries disallowed but were far too wasteful with the ball. The hosts committed every sin possible when trying to beat Fiji, with too many offloads and too much aimless kicking. Fiji then did what they do best, seizing upon Australia's errors and riding a wave of skilful play to scoring several counter-attacking tries. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said the performance was a frustrating one after the hosts had built a lead early, but surrendered it. The final stages of the game brought a mix of emotions. 'Some of it was frustration and some of it was relief to find ourselves in that situation after we built a nice lead early in the game,' Schimdt said. 'And then I felt we got a bit loose and they've got some fantastic broken field runners. That was no surprise to us because we knew they had them and we knew we'd have to be better connected than we were. So, you know, it was certainly a relief when Harry got over and dotted it down, that's for sure.' The Wallabies led 14-5 at halftime after tries from hooker Dave Porecki and Fraser McReight. A shocking brainfade from Lolesio after the halftime siren saw the No.10 eschew kicking the ball into touch, and instead pop a poor chip over the top in his own half. His chasing target Wright missed the regather and Fiji gratefully went on the counter-attack. After Lolesio then went for an intercept, Fiji scored through fullback Salesi Rayasi. The second half didn't see huge improvements straight away from Australia. A chip-kick from Potter finally appeared to work when Max Jorgensen won the race and touched down, but the try was disallowed after it was reviewed and another forward pass from Wright was found in the lead-up. Fiji then swept to the lead when former Fiji sevens speedster Jiuta Wainiqolo went on an incredible run from his quarter and beat five defenders, before offloading to flanker Lekima Tagitagivalu, who scored. Caleb Muntz's penalty in the 67th minute made it a four-point lead, but the Wallabies would have the last say. 3.34pm Let's catch our breath What can you make of that, except the Wallabies should never play in Newcastle again. A beautiful city, wonderful people and a great venue. But there is something about Australian rugby and the Steel City that does not mix. In 2012, the Wallabies were stunned by Scotland. This afternoon, until the last minute, the Fijians were going to do exactly the same after Australia failed to execute the basics for most of the game. Fiji should have been even further ahead before the Wallabies were saved by their own incompetence, when a Fiji try was called back due to Harry Potter's foot having been in touch. It fell to the captain Harry Wilson to deliver in the final minute. None of his forwards could get through the fierce Fiji defence, so he took the ball himself and spun to touch down. Interviewed on Stan Sport, the skipper looked understandably relieved. 'We've loved our time here in Newcastle and the amount of Wallabies supporters here and we're happy to come here and get a win.' 3.26pm Harry Wilson scores in last minute to win game Utter madness. The Wallabies could not break through the Fiji defence, but captain Harry Wilson takes it upon himself, spins and pivots and somehow touches the ball down. I have no idea how. The Wallabies are up by three. It's game over. The Wallabies have committed a rugby heist in Newcastle. They really did not deserve that, but when they needed someone to step up, the skipper who delivered. FULL TIME: Wallabies 21 Fiji 18 3.14pm The Wallabies need a miracle to come back as Fiji stroke another penalty The Wallabies are camped in their own half and look incapable of breaking a Fiji team growing in belief with every minute. Fiji are playing unstructured rugby and it's looking extremely ominous for Australia. It was never a match made in heaven: Fiji, the chief tormentors of the Wallabies in the 2023 World Cup, in Newcastle, where Australia last played in 2012 and were beaten by Scotland. The Wallabies need a try, but where will it come from? There are 10 minutes to save this game. Wallabies 14 Fiji 18 (after 69 minutes) 3.01pm Fiji try rubbed out and concern for Lolesio Fiji have a try rubbed out after Harry Potter's stud was in touch a few plays earlier. The Wallabies have even more to worry about, though, with Noah Lolesio helped off the field amid concerns for his neck after falling heavily into contact. Very worrying times for the Wallabies, with their five-eighth in some distress. Lolesio is in a neck brace but has raised his hands to the crowd. Ben Donaldson is on for the Wallabies with the game on the line. Nothing is going right for Australia and Joe Schmidt's face is thunder in the coaching box. Wallabies 14 Fiji 15 (after 60 minutes) 2.56pm Payto on 60 Seriously underwhelming here from the Wallabies. They've committed almost every sin possible when you play Fiji and simply refuse to play direct and build pressure. Way too much kicking and second-phase play. Rob Valetini's carrying is sorely missed. And Fiji are duly winning the game. They haven't won in Australia since 1954. 2.54pm Fiji score from end of the world to take lead Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will be filthy. His team turned down a simple penalty to go for seven points in the corner, but Jeremy Williams is pinged for obstruction. Just minutes later, Jiuta Wainiqolo runs the length of the field, slicing through the Wallabies defence to set up Lekima Tagitagivalu for a stunning try. The bookies were paying $7 for a Fiji win before kick-off, but someone obviously forgot to tell the Fijians. They are ready to shock the Wallabies all over again. Wallabies 14 Fiji 15 (after 56 minutes) 2.49pm Caleb Muntz fires back with a penalty This game could change quickly. After Jorgensen's try was rubbed out, Caleb Muntz nails a long-range penalty for Fiji, which hits the post on its way over to give them a valuable three points. There are just six points in this game now and the Wallabies are really rattled. The Lions will be licking their lips watching this back in Sydney. Wallabies 14 Fiji 8 (after 51 minutes) 2.45pm Jorgensen gets third try for Wallabies but it's rubbed out Winger Harry Potter has been loving the chip and chase, but with very mixed results today in Newcastle. Finally, it works, and the impressive Max Jorgensen comes off his left wing to dot down. But wait – the TMO is involved again. Tom Wright is pulled back for a forward pass and the try is rubbed out. The second time it has happened to the fullback. It's correct, but this is a terrible, terrible advert for rugby union. So many stoppages. Wallabies 14 Fiji 5 (after 48 minutes)
Sydney Morning Herald
6 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Cheesed off: Souths recruit to miss six weeks after injuring knee in defeat to Manly
Luckless Brandon Smith faces more time on the sidelines after injuring his knee in his comeback match as South Sydney copped a 30-12 trouncing from Manly at Brookvale on Sunday. Smith, making his debut for Souths and playing for the first time since he tore his anterior cruciate ligament last September, while at the Sydney Roosters, fell awkwardly in a tackle by Manly prop Matthew Lodge five minutes from full-time. He limped from the field in obvious discomfort and Souths coach Wayne Bennett said afterwards the Kiwi international had suffered suspected medial ligament damage, which could rule him out for 'six to eight weeks'. Asked if he had any concerns about the tackle, Bennett replied: 'It's up to them [the match review panel] to decide, but we're not playing with a lot of luck, and we didn't get any there from that decision, either … I'm frustrated by a lot of things right now, but it's not going to do me no good.' Smith's latest injury was to his right knee – the same one that required reconstructive surgery last year. Asked about Smith's mood, Bennett said: 'He's happy that it's only six to eight weeks, instead of eight months. At least he can see the light at the end of the tunnel this time.' Manly coach Anthony Seibold: 'I haven't had a look at it, but it wasn't a penalty from that one. I'm not sure. I'd have to have a look at it.' Smith's injury was another body blow for Souths, who slumped to their sixth consecutive defeat and remain 16th on the competition ladder, six points adrift of the eight with seven rounds to play.
The Age
6 hours ago
- The Age
Cheesed off: Souths recruit to miss six weeks after injuring knee in defeat to Manly
Luckless Brandon Smith faces more time on the sidelines after injuring his knee in his comeback match as South Sydney copped a 30-12 trouncing from Manly at Brookvale on Sunday. Smith, making his debut for Souths and playing for the first time since he tore his anterior cruciate ligament last September, while at the Sydney Roosters, fell awkwardly in a tackle by Manly prop Matthew Lodge five minutes from full-time. He limped from the field in obvious discomfort and Souths coach Wayne Bennett said afterwards the Kiwi international had suffered suspected medial ligament damage, which could rule him out for 'six to eight weeks'. Asked if he had any concerns about the tackle, Bennett replied: 'It's up to them [the match review panel] to decide, but we're not playing with a lot of luck, and we didn't get any there from that decision, either … I'm frustrated by a lot of things right now, but it's not going to do me no good.' Smith's latest injury was to his right knee – the same one that required reconstructive surgery last year. Asked about Smith's mood, Bennett said: 'He's happy that it's only six to eight weeks, instead of eight months. At least he can see the light at the end of the tunnel this time.' Manly coach Anthony Seibold: 'I haven't had a look at it, but it wasn't a penalty from that one. I'm not sure. I'd have to have a look at it.' Smith's injury was another body blow for Souths, who slumped to their sixth consecutive defeat and remain 16th on the competition ladder, six points adrift of the eight with seven rounds to play.
