Rugby
Ireland Men Building For Big Second Day At World Cup Sevens Qualifier
James Topping’s charges, who ran out 73-0 winners over Poland and beat Portugal 29-0, are in pole position in Pool A ahead of tomorrow’s clash with unbeaten Italy (kick-off 2.20pm local time/12.20pm Irish time).
Jordan Conroy bagged a hat-trick in Ireland’s pool opener, while the returning Terry Kennedy has also scored three tries during the first two rounds. Bryan Mollen, Zac Ward and Harry McNulty are all on two each.
Captain Billy Dardis and his team-mates are two matches away from qualifying for the Sevens World Cup in Cape Town in September. Tougher contests lay ahead tomorrow, with Spain, Germany, Belgium, Wales and Italy also gaining back-to-back victories.
After just a minute’s play against Poland and a well-won Chay Mullins lineout, Aaron O’Sullivan sucked in a couple of defenders to send Conroy over in the left corner. Dardis converted in brilliant fashion.
Turnover ball allowed Sean Cribbin to streak clear for a second try, converted by Dardis, who then took a quick tap and fed O’Sullivan for a simple finish out wide.
Trailing 19-0, Poland fell further behind when Matt McDonald’s hard work in regaining the restart eventually led to a neat interchange between Cribbin and Mollen with the latter going in under the posts.
Dardis converted and also added the extras to a sharply-taken late score from Conroy, who sidestepped around Szymon Sirocki to score out wide from inside the Polish 22.
Ireland kept the pressure on and extended their 33-0 half-time lead, Cribbin putting Conroy over to complete his hat-trick and then the fresh legs of Ward surged through a gap to score from the right wing.
Ward soon turned provider, benefiting from a turnover penalty won by Mullins as he sent fellow replacement McNulty charging clear to score in the right corner. Mark Roche also nailed the conversion for a 54-0 scoreline.
Ward’s quickly-taken lineout, combined with a well-timed pass from Hugo Lennox, fired Kennedy downfield for his first try of the weekend. It was swiftly followed by his second, the assist coming from McDonald.
Mullins had a 40-metre run-in for Ireland’s eleventh and final try, set free for the right corner by Lennox who also clipped over the conversion for good measure.
Portugal provided a sterner test in the evening session, but Ireland took a second-minute lead when a counter ruck forced the ball loose on the ground and Mollen was able to pick it up and score from close range.
Some silky interplay saw Lennox scamper in from 35 metres out, after taking a return pass from Kennedy, and Portugal’s defence soon opened up again as Ireland moved into a 15-0 lead for half-time.
Kennedy drew in some defenders with his movement and Ward spotted his opportunity, using some quick footwork and a fend to score from Ireland’s 10-metre line.
The Portuguese were penalised at a scrum early on the resumption, Dardis put Kennedy over from a quick tap. The skipper slotted the conversion himself to widen the margin to 22 points.
With two-and-a-half minutes remaining, Lennox and O’Sullivan got the ball wide for McNulty to thunder over in the right corner. Dardis maintained his impressive kicking form with a pinpoint strike.
IRELAND MEN’S SEVENS Squad (2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens European Qualifier, Arc de Triumf Stadium, Bucharest, July 16-17, 2022):
Zac Ward (Ballynahinch RFC)
Matt McDonald (IQ Rugby)
Harry McNulty (UCD RFC)
Bryan Mollen (Blackrock College RFC)
Billy Dardis (Terenure College RFC) (capt)
Jordan Conroy (Buccaneers RFC)
Hugo Lennox (Skerries RFC)
Mark Roche (Lansdowne FC)
Terry Kennedy (St. Mary’s College RFC)
Sean Cribbin (Suttonians RFC)
Chay Mullins (IQ Rugby)
Ed Kelly (Dublin University FC)
Aaron O’Sullivan (Ireland Sevens)
RUGBY WORLD CUP SEVENS EUROPEAN QUALIFIER – FIXTURES/RESULTS:
Saturday, July 16 –
POOL A:
IRELAND 73 POLAND 0, Arc de Triumf Stadium – Watch Replay
Scorers: Ireland: Tries: Jordan Conroy 3, Sean Cribbin, Aaron O’Sullivan, Bryan Mollen, Zac Ward, Harry McNulty, Terry Kennedy 2, Chay Mullins; Cons: Billy Dardis 5, Mark Roche 2, Hugo Lennox 2
Poland: –
HT: Ireland 33 Poland 0
Team: Bryan Mollen, Matt McDonald, Chay Mullins, Sean Cribbin, Billy Dardis (capt), Aaron O’Sullivan, Jordan Conroy.
Subs used: Harry McNulty, Mark Roche, Zac Ward, Hugo Lennox, Terry Kennedy.
IRELAND 29 PORTUGAL 0, Arc de Triumf Stadium – Watch Replay
Scorers: Ireland: Tries: Bryan Mollen, Hugo Lennox, Zac Ward, Terry Kennedy, Harry McNulty; Cons: Billy Dardis 2
Portugal: –
HT: Ireland 15 Portugal 0
Team: Harry McNulty, Zac Ward, Bryan Mollen, Mark Roche, Hugo Lennox, Terry Kennedy, Ed Kelly.
Subs used: Billy Dardis (capt), Aaron O’Sullivan, Jordan Conroy, Chay Mullins, Sean Cribbin.
Rugby World Cup Sevens European Qualifier – Fixtures/Results/Tables
Sunday, July 17 –
POOL A:
IRELAND v ITALY, Arc de Triumf Stadium, 2.20pm local time/12.20pm Irish time
PLAY-OFFS
Images & Content from Irish Rugby & Images © Inpho Photography
International
All Blacks not underestimating Argentina in Mendoza – Mo’unga
The All Blacks are not underestimating the challenge of facing Argentina in Mendoza and would look to do the simple things right in front of a hostile crowd said first five-eighths Richie Mo’unga, ahead of the opening Lipovitan-D Test against Argentina on Sunday morning (NZT).
Argentina’s confidence would be high: they beat the All Blacks in New Zealand for the first time last year, beat England at Twickenham, and put 50 points on Australia in one of their Tests.
He said they were worthy rivals and definite contenders both for the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup.
“Playing Argentina in Argentina, and in Mendoza, could be considered in the same light as playing South Africa at Ellis Park. This is a rugby city, the Argentinians are pumped to be playing here and they deserve all the respect they get.”
Mo’unga said the atmosphere in Argentina was akin to that for football with plenty of passion, and that was more the case in Mendoza, a rugby city where the crowd at games could be hostile in their support of their side.
“You can get caught out if you haven’t played here before or understand what it means to them to play in a city like Mendoza against the All Blacks.”
While they loved their rugby, they also loved the All Blacks, and they received a warm welcome upon their arrival.
Argentine first five-eighths Nicolas Sanchez was rated highly by Mo’unga. He was a fine goal-kicker but underrated by many. But with improving stocks in the position, he was sure whoever was selected would thrive because of the speed and physicality in their forwards and the flair of the backs, which was always dangerous.
While Argentina had lost contact with New Zealand sides with the changes to Super Rugby and the loss of the Jaguares, Mo’unga said they were still playing top rugby in sides in Europe and were bringing that back to their Test preparations, which would help them.
“Whenever you play the Argentinians you expect the best Argentinian side and that’s what you should do. You give them more respect. And they’ll be fizzed for it because they will be playing in Argentina against the All Blacks.
While the All Blacks could see how players performed individually through video analysis, they could also reflect on how they did things in the past, which was relevant because the same coaching personnel were still involved.
“You assume things, but it doesn’t mean you’re going to get, it so you have a plan. But sometimes you’ve got to play heads up footy too, and I’m sure we’ll get both cases this week – getting what we assume but them showing some things that are a little different, and we’ve got to be prepared for that as well.”
MATCH DETAILS: All Blacks v Argentina, Sunday July 9, 7.10am NZT, Estadio Malvinas, Mendoza, Argentina. Live on Sky Sport NZ.
Rugby
Blues name new coaching line up
Vern Cotter is the new Head Coach of the Blues, signed on a two-year deal placing him at the Blues helm through until the end of the 2025 DHL Super Rugby season.
Cotter, who starts with the Blues this week, will be joined by new Assistant Coach, Jason O’Halloran, also on a two-year deal, working alongside members of the existing Blues coaching team.
Cotter is an experienced Head Coach at both domestic and international level and was most recently Head Coach of Fiji from 2020-22.
He was also Head Coach of Scotland from 2014-2017 – where he joined forces with O’Halloran – the pair taking the team from tenth to fifth in the World Rugby Rankings and credited with having a strong impact on the culture and performance of the team.
Cotter said he is both honoured and enthused to be named Head Coach of the Blues.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the entire Blues organisation for putting their trust in me,” said Cotter.
“I’ve watched this club thrive in recent years and I’m excited by the challenge of taking them forward and building on what is a very strong base.”
“It’s great to have Jason joining me at the Blues. Since our time in Scotland we’ve remained firm friends and often pick up the phone to discuss current trends in the game – I know he’ll add real value to an already strong coaching team.”
Cotter has a history of success, under his guidance European club side Clermont Auvergne reached lofty heights, making three Grand Finals before winning the coveted French Top 14 title in 2010 – the first title in the club’s history. The team also won a European Challenge Cup under Cotter’s guidance in 2006.
He said his experiences overseas can help in taking the Blues forward.
“When you take a new role it’s important to acknowledge what’s been going well for a team, while constructively challenging aspects you feel could improve. I think I can add fresh thinking, informed by my broad and varied coaching experiences to date.”
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with the Blues and I’m energised to be back in New Zealand coaching at Super Rugby level.”
Blues Chairman Don Mackinnon said Cotter’s vast experience, partnership with O’Halloran and history of winning were key factors in bringing him to the Blues.
“We’ve been in communication with Vern for a while now and what shone through in our conversations was his desire to drive the club forward while building on the strong culture we’ve developed at the Blues over the last few years. He’s an experienced and driven coach, has a history of success and I believe is the right fit for the role.
“Vern and Jason have proven they work well together, and we believe the pair will provide some fresh thinking and energy to take the club forward.
“We’re really happy with our coaching mix for 2024 and beyond and believe Vern is the right man to set the direction for our coaching group and continue the development of some excellent younger coaches.”
Blues CEO, Andrew Hore, was equally impressed by the latest additions to the coaching group.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming both Vern and Jason to our team. We feel they will fit seamlessly into our coaching group and wider business,” said Hore.
Those thoughts were echoed by New Zealand Rugby Manager, Professional Rugby, Simon Simmers.
“Vern’s appointment is a great example of our home-grown coaching talent gaining valuable experience offshore, before returning to New Zealand to continue their contribution to the development of our people and competitions.
“Vern’s coached internationally at Rugby World Cups and knows what it takes to win titles in Europe. He will bring all those insights and knowledge back to the Blues and Super Rugby Pacific. It’s great to have Vern home.”
Premiership
Sharks sign respected Full-back on 1 year deal
Former Gloucester full-back Jason Woodward joins Sale Sharks ahead of 2022/23 Premiership season
Sale Sharks have signed versatile full-back Jason Woodward on a one-year deal ahead of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season.
The former Bristol Bears and Gloucester man, who can also play on the wing and in the centre, put pen to paper today and will join Alex Sanderson’s squad ahead of their opening pre-season clash against Caldy RFC on August 19.
Jason signed for Bristol from Super Rugby side the Hurricanes in 2016, before joining Gloucester the following year after Bristol’s relegation from the Premiership. He went on to make made 67 appearances and score 90 points for the Cherry and Whites.
The 32-year-old represented New Zealand at U20 level but qualifies for England through his grandmother and was called into a training camp by Eddie Jones in 2017.
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “After speaking with Jason it was clear he was still motivated to perform at the highest level, and he was keen for a move North to join the Sharks.
“Jason is a proven Premiership performer who will add a great deal of quality and experience to what is a young squad here.
“He has the ability to play in a number of positions and that’s a massive bonus for us with such a busy schedule ahead.
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